Heerema and their vision on sustainability

In this item, we ask our customers for their views on sustainability. How important is sustainability for their organisation and how can we tell? In this article we ask Fabrizio Giordano, Senior Business Advisor at Heerema, about their vision on sustainability. 

Heerema’s headquarters is located in Leiden, the Netherlands, with various offices located worldwide to support their global operations for the offshore energy sectors.

 

The company manages the entire supply chain of project execution, offering solutions that include design and front-end engineering, planning, logistics, project management, and the execution of projects worldwide.

Heerema has a fleet of four crane vessels, and two anchor handling tugs, which includes the world’s largest and most sustainable semi-submersible crane vessel Sleipnir. The fleet operate worldwide, in remote locations, and in ultra-deep water depths. To provide in-depth planning and preparation for all projects the company uses its in-house Simulation Center. This state-of-the-art Center replicates offshore environments for the offshore teams to have a ‘dry run’ on all projects to ensure the most efficient and safe methods of execution offshore.

Interview with Fabrizio Giordano, Senior Business Advisor at Heerema:

What does Sustainability mean for Heerema in general?

Heerema’s mission is to be the leading marine contractor creating sustainable value(s) for clients and stakeholders. Our organization has embedded sustainability into day-to-day work practices by following our Sustainability Roadmap. The Roadmap outlines how we can combine sustainable practices within a financially healthy business model. There are various ways we have reduced our impact, such as building a climate-friendly head office in Leiden that was recognized by the World Green Building Council. In addition, our heavy lift vessel Sleipnir can run on emission reducing LNG, as well as being outfitted with various other sustainability measures. Our most recent sustainability achievement is the development of a Shore Power connected at the Port of Rotterdam, which will enable our vessels to run on renewable power when moored. They will be the largest ‘e-vessels’ on the planet.

Recently Heerema has insured a large deal with ADSB for a large windpark in Taiwan. Is this an example for transition of Heerema? (You could explain when he transition for Heerema started and how this was initiated?)

Although at Heerema we were aware that wind operators mostly used the bond market to fund their activities, we have always been keen to discuss the use of ECA backed schemes. This motivation is based on our previous experience gained during the oil and gas years. Eventually one of our clients required such a solution and they soon contacted us with the request to facilitate an ECA backed deal, relating to a development in Taiwan. This project is a good example to show that a proactive attitude, on the commercial frontline, matched by the specific know-how within ADSB are all that is needed to deliver successful financing solutions to our clients. Being able to provide such financing solutions further enhances competitiveness and that is why they are a critical element in supporting Heerema’s transition towards the expansion of revenue share from the offshore renewable sector

What are the expectations from Heerema on Sustainability for the future?

Due to the nature of our business, as well as owning and operating large offshore vessels, an effective Carbon Neutral policy plays a central role. Heerema became Carbon Neutral in 2020 by means of compensation, and has a Carbon Neutral Roadmap that outlines targets for reducing emissions at the source either by reduction or prevention.

By the end of 2020, we began offsetting 100% of its existing offshore carbon footprint, equalling roughly 250,000 metric tons of carbon per year. Heerema is currently  investing in carbon offsetting projects that offset 100% of its emissions, equalling roughly 250,000 metric tons of carbon per year. These projects  align with its mission to create sustainable value(s)and are certified carbon reduction projects already in development with the accredited Climate Neutral Group. From this starting point, we are working on several reduction and prevention initiatives, such as the Shore Power connection, improved crane utilization, and an improved power management system for our vessels.

Our organization is also investigating the use of ‘alternative’ fuels after successfully using emission reducing LNG on Sleipnir. This action includes research into synthetic diesel-fuels or biofuels such as GTL and HVO, and potentially even hydrogen can be used in co-combustion in the engine. It is estimated that up to 55% of carbon emissions can be reduced, mainly by using alternative fuels such as biofuels.

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