ASCO considers retrofitting ships for methanol fuel transition by 2030

The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) is exploring the possibility of retrofitting several of its ships to transition to methanol fuel between 2027 and 2030, Alakbar Azizli, ASCO's Director of Sustainability and Emissions Management, told Report.

Azizli mentioned that ASCO has established an Environmental Social Governance (ESG) coordination group to continuously update its sustainable development policy.

"The shipping company has included important issues in the ESG action plan, such as implementing constructive changes and innovations on ships to reduce emissions, using shore power, applying the EcoPilot electronic intervention system, and installing special rudders on the stern of ships," he explained.

According to the director, a transition to alternative fuels is planned for 2030-2040: "This aims to reduce emissions by 70-80% compared to 2008. In 2040-2050, a complete transition to zero-emission alternative fuels and technologies is planned."

Azizli also pointed out that they are exploring the possibilities of installing Flettner rotors on ships.