Advanced technical solutions for marine pollution control in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

The major environmental problems within the maritime sector are atmospheric pollution due to the extensive use of fossil fuels in ship power systems, as well as seawater pollution from various sources (e.g. oil spills, microplastic, acidification, etc.). Due to their negative effect on the environment, human health and marine ecosystem, they should be carefully controlled. The studies on environmental problems of the maritime sector are more focused on atmospheric pollution, mainly thanks to the Paris Agreement. The ships are mostly powered by conventional power systems (diesel engines), and their negative effect on the environment would be lower with the implementation of some measures for emission reduction. In this paper, the outcomes of the research into the advanced technical measures for maritime pollution control are summarized, where the emphasis is put on ro-ro passenger ships engaged in the Croatian short-sea shipping sector. The results of the performed Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) suggested that conventional power systems should be modernized by ship electrification. This solution is represented as the most cost-effective and the most environmentally friendly solution regarding air pollution reduction. Furthermore, regarding seawater protection, several aspects of the advanced early warning system, that is being developed by the authors, are discussed. Finally, in line with the global trends in the maritime sector, a review on increasing the degree of autonomy of ships is given, as one of the most important topics for the near future.