The Compliance Challenges in Emissions Control Regulations to Reduce Air Pollution from Shipping

Abstract

One of the thorny problems perplexing the maritime industry is to comply with existing and soon-to-be-enacted regulations towards emissions reduction from shipping. This problem has been discussed in this study under three viewpoints: i) the marine engine efficiency, ii) the decision-making process for selecting the technologies for reducing air emissions from shipping and iii) the challenges in the shipping industry during the era of digitalization. In the section of the marine engine efficiency, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics in relation to a Carnot cycle/heat engine have been illustrated to show the maximum efficiency that an engine can achieve within its operational temperature range. In the section of the decision-making process, the selection of technologies for reducing emissions from shipping, a variety of possible options has been discussed: e.g. using compliant fuels with low sulphur content in the current machinery; integrating an emission abatement technology such as marine scrubber as an after-treatment device; opting for alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Methanol and future ship propulsion with an array of alternatives. Nevertheless, it can be a challenge for decision-makers (shipowners and operators) to select the most suitable alternatives for regulatory compliance in reducing emissions from shipping. It involves with multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) in which a number of alternative options are assessed with regard to multiple factors and sub-factors as described in this study. In the section of the challenges for the shipping industry in the era of digitalization, Advanced Data Analytics for ship performance monitoring is considered to overcome the handling challenges in large-scale ship performance and navigation data sets.

The electric propulsion system as a green solution for management strategy ofCO2emission in ocean shipping: A comprehensive review

“…In general, diverse operating modes require the propulsion system to satisfy several performance criteria simultaneously including fuel consumption, noise level, power capability, comfort level with minimal noise and vibration, and maintenance costs for the mechanical and thermal system. Indeed, to meet large cargo capacity, high reliability, large storage capacity, and very strict safety regulations, owners and designers tend to choose electric propulsion systems over its conventional counterparts for its advantages, such as the ability to use renewable energy sources, lower CO 2 emissions, high energy efficiency and meeting IMO regulations 9 . Electrical equipment exists on any vessel, from communication sources, positioning devices, alarms, monitoring systems, the operation of pump motors, fans, or winches to the main power station of the propulsion system.…”

Decentralized System Intelligence in Data Driven Networks for Shipping Industrial Applications: Digital Models to Blockchain Technologies

“…The outcome of digital models can be used to quantity ship performance and navigation conditions, i.e. to improve energy efficiency and reduce engine emissions from ocean going vessels [14,15]. Blockchain represents a decentralized, distributed and digital ledger in a public domain and the network can handle and record transactions based on operational data from various sources.…”

Electric propulsion for lifeboat

“…The possibility of a hybrid power system for medium-sized oceangoing ships is illustrated in [10]. Several criteria are used in the decision-making process, and various possibilities are evaluated in relation to a variety of elements and subfactors as explained in [11]. The key enabling technology for the electrification of large ships has been shown in [12].…”