Jakarta (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi stated that the conversion of diesel-fueled ships to those using diesel dual fuel (DDF) could help reduce carbon emissions.
He made this statement during the "Retrofit/Conversion of Existing Ships to Diesel Dual Fuel Ships by PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam" event in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Monday. "I appreciate and support PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, which has taken the initiative to carry out the project to convert diesel-fueled ships to DDF," Sumadi said.
He described the project as a strategic step aligned with the government's policy to reduce imports of high-speed diesel fuel and increase the use of liquified natural gas, which is more environmentally friendly.
DDF is a new technology in the maritime industry that can support efforts to reduce carbon emissions in upstream oil and gas activities. The technology can be implemented in all ship engines and carried out in domestic shipyards.
"This conversion project not only aims to increase operational efficiency and reduce fuel costs but also contributes significantly to efforts to reduce carbon emissions," Sumadi explained.
By using DDF technology, CO2 emissions can be substantially reduced, supporting the government's commitment to achieving the net zero emission target by 2060, he added. Overall, the project to convert diesel-fueled ships to DDF also reflects the strong synergy between the state-owned company and the private sector in supporting the government's vision.
Sumadi also emphasized that all stakeholders in the maritime industry need to play an active role in addressing the urgent problem of climate change. In this context, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has committed to adapting to climate change by reducing ship emissions through the implementation of green shipping practices.
The next step is to implement energy efficiency measures, which aim to reduce marine environmental pollution arising from the high consumption of fossil fuels and to encourage the use of sustainable energy sources, Sumadi said.
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He added that the government has supported the implementation of green shipping by issuing a number of mitigation regulations, including the obligation to use low-sulfur fuel and scrubbers for ships as exhaust gas cleaners.
Additionally, the government has issued regulations on ship rejuvenation and modernization, the use of environmentally friendly navigation aids, and the obligation to report fuel consumption for all Indonesian-flagged ships.
Diesel dual fuel ships cut carbon emissions: Minister Sumadi
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi delivers his speech at the "Retrofit/Conversion of Existing Ships into Diesel Dual Fuel Ships by PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam," in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on August 12, 2024. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemenhub)
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi delivers his speech at the "Retrofit/Conversion of Existing Ships into Diesel Dual Fuel Ships by PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam," in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on August 12, 2024. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemenhub)