The NETSCo team is environmentally responsible, providing solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of ships in our oceans, lakes and coastal areas.

Our compliance engineers meet regularly with governing agencies, that include environmental groups, ports and state agencies. We actively participate and serve on environmental committees with a number of regulatory bodies that include: The United States Coast Guard; ASTM; and, the American Bureau of Shipping. We provide the most up-to-date information to our clients.

Our team provides energy audits to review the total use of and make energy efficiency assessments for ships. NETSCo can also perform an onboard assessment of the current vessel performance or create an environmental impact report for your ship or fleet. We can assist your company with retrofitting outdated equipment and implementing new on board environmental solutions with your ship’s operations.

Alternative Fuels

During the November 2020, Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 75 meeting, a draft amendment to the MARPOL convention was introduced that requires ships to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity; this is in line with the initial IMO GHG Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030.  One method to reach this goal is through the use of alternative fuels; primarily low carbon substitutes.

The use of alternative fuels requires careful consideration and creative ideas in several important areas ─ for example, fuel storage space for LNG is an immediate concern as it is almost 60% greater in volume than the comparable amount of diesel fuel.  Therefore, it is critical to know during the planning stages that there is a good understanding of current and future LNG bunkering, or any other alternative fuel infrastructure compared to the vessel’s potential sailing routes.  When considering Ammonia as an alternative fuel, it is important to note that there is a mature supply infrastructure in place for fertilizers, which could be leveraged for fuel supply. Plus, while the storage conversion is similar to LNG, but the technology to use Ammonia as fuel is still in development.

Two other potential alternative fuels that are in the conversation are Hydrogen and Methanol.  However, it is important to consider some of its challenges in their use as a fuel. For example, Hydrogen, which is a carbon-free fuel presents storage challenges due to is low volumetric energy density and very low liquification temperature. Methanol, on the other hand, is liquid at ambient temperature, but it does not completely eliminate carbon content and is an expensive consideration.

NETSCo can assist the ship owner and operator in navigating the issues associated with (and the cost-benefit of) various alternative fuel options.

EEDI / EEXI

During MEPC 75, the requirements for Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) “Phase 3”, were strengthened along with an expected entry into force date of 1 April 2022. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) was introduced with a potential entry into force in 2023.  The EEXI will be applicable for all vessels above 400 GT falling under MARPOL Annex VI.

In anticipation of this requirement, NETSCo engineers have developed a calculation model that will help owner and operators to establish the EEXI baseline for their current fleet of ships that offers solutions to meet the index.

Offshore Wind

Offshore wind energy is a rapidly growing industry in the United States and is positioned to become one of the major renewable energy resources. NETSCo professionals have been involved with cutting-edge development projects to demonstrate the economic and technical viability of this technology while offering new insights in Engineering and Naval Architecture for the wind turbine industry.

NETSCo has a proven track record in the offshore wind marketplace by providing solutions that are innovative and cost-effective for meeting project goals. Our flexible services include:

• Front-end Engineering and Feasibility Studies
• Turbine Substructure and Foundations Design.
• Advanced Structural Analysis (FEA) for Turbine Assemblies including Foundations, Substructures and Towers.
• Advanced Hydrodynamic Analysis for Bottom-fixed and Floating Turbines.
• Site Feasibility Analysis / Environmental Impact
• Logistics

Hybrid Technology Marine Engineering Services

The objective of using hybrid technology is to reduce emissions and improve efficiency in producing energy. With the imminent stricter environmental regulations on carbon emissions and greater uncertainty about fuel prices, shipowners are under increasing pressure to be compliant environmentally while reducing costs and maximize a return on their investment.

Our maritime engineers keep themselves well-informed on the latest developments and regulations on hybrid technology. With a goal toward designing a vessel with low resistance and minimal power requirements the development of hybrid technology can take advantage of increased fuel efficiency, as well as significant reductions in noise, vibration and the ship’s carbon footprint compared to fuel-base systems. For example, as in the case of ferry operators, hybrid technology can offer a clear economic benefit through lower fuel consumption and improved equipment reliability.

NETSCo can provide feasibility studies on the maximum efficient, environmentally-friendly system for an individual vessel with an eye toward emission control compliance with the most stringent international environmental regulations. Our engineering group will survey or scan your vessel to find the spacing options for the chosen propulsion system providing an easy integration and retrofit. We can provide assistance documentation and approvals with regulatory agencies. Other services include:

• Power and Propulsion System Architecture
• Analysis on the Application of Hybrid Technology on the Vessel
• Analysis of Speed and Pitch
• Power Management Through Operation Load Estimation
• Optimal Load Leveling
• Basic and Detailed Integration Engineering for Hybrid Technology
• Documentation and Regulatory Compliance Assistance
• Sea Trials and Commissioning

Ballast Water Treatment Marine Engineering Services

NETSCo, along with sister-company, Choice Ballast Solutions, offers a blend of theoretical engineering and practical experience with first-hand knowledge of all the major ballast water treatment technologies. With a staff of experience shipyard and dry dockings project management specialists, NETSCo delivers engineering solutions with a customer-focused approach. We offer fully integrated treatment solutions that cover the entire process of selection through commissioning. Our highly capable engineers and draftsmen conduct 3D scanning and offer detailed engineering designs to determine any issues that may interfere with the operation of the BWMS and indicate the best-case placement of the new equipment. We have the experience to work in challenging installation spaces that include special requirements for retrofits in hazardous zones.

NETSCo, along with Choice Ballast Solutions, offers consulting and advisory services specifically for compliance with BWMS requirements. These include:

• Compliance Strategy and USCG Extension Applications
• Fleet Retrofit Assessments
• Feasibility Studies and BWMS Selection (over 75)
• 3D Scanning & Vessel Surveys
• BWMS Design Engineering
• Detailed Design Packages
• Project Management
• Operations, Training & VGP Testing Services

Our goal is to support the shipowner in all phases of planning and retrofit projects around the world to comply with the IMO BWM Convention. We deliver the most thorough installation, compliance, and project management and operations oversight through the entire retrofit process.

Water and Wastewater Marine Engineering Services

Wastewater treatment requires a deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, structural, and chemical engineering, as well as a thorough knowledge of the latest technologies. NETSCo’s engineering team can develop waste flow models to evaluate the input and output of water flows as a function of the ship’s operating parameters. We will evaluate and recommend the planning, design, and operating solution for the integration of solid waste management equipment and the management of all liquid wastes on the ship. Our services also include:

• Waste Disposal Cost Assessment
• Mechanical Engineering for Equipment Design
• System Integration and Installation Engineering
• Chemical Engineering for Reaction and Mixing Systems
• Project Management
• Equipment Regulatory Documentation and Operations Manuals

Scrubber Marine Engineering Services

With MARPOL SO2 regulation approaching, there are a range of different options that vary in complexity and cost, for shipowners to comply with the lower sulphur emission limits. The use of scrubbers has been identified as a valid option to ensure reduced emissions (with a maximum of 0.1% sulphur oxide content).

Our scrubber retrofit solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of our clients and their ships. Services can include a feasibility study to analyze fuel alternatives or scrubbers, the initial planning phase documentation, basic and detail engineering, as well as installation and commissioning; we offer any or all of these services depending on the needs of the shipowner.

Our 3D scanning service allows for NETSCo engineers to minimize modification requirements to the vessel and determine an optimal placement of the scrubber and any necessary piping. In addition, NETSCo’s trained personnel can involve the shipyard during the installation process, including procurement of materials required for this complex task.

After performing the vessel retrofit we will test the scrubber to ensure that it is functioning properly while assuring the shipowner that the new equipment is installed and operating according to the compliance requirements of the Class Society during commissioning.

Mud-Out™ Ballast Tank Clean Up

Developed specifically for the marine industry, Mud-Out™ is a special formulated chemical designed to help disperse and remove mud, even the heavy buildup of mud sometimes found in ballast tanks or cooling systems. When used regularly, Mud-Out will help prevent further accumulations of mud.

Mud-Out™has been proven in dozens of different applications over a wide variety of industries. Some of the more popular uses are: once-through cooling systems on ships, all types of ballast tanks, potable water tanks and floating dry docks. Portable injections systems are available, or various manual means can be employed to clean out existing mud deposits.