The future of ship engines: Renewable fuels and enabling technologies for decarbonization

Abstract

Shipping is one of the most efficient transportation modes for moving freight globally. International regulations concerning decarbonization and emission reduction goals drive rapid innovations to meet the 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets. The internal combustion engines used for marine vessels are among the most efficient energy conversion systems. Internal combustion engines dominate the propulsion system architectures for marine shipping, and current marine engines will continue to serve for several decades. However, to meet the aggressive goals of low-carbon-intensity shipping, there is an impetus for further efficiency improvement and achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. These factors drive the advancements in engine technologies, low-carbon fuels and fueling infrastructure, and emissions control systems. This editorial presents a perspective on the future of ship engines and the role of low-life cycle-carbon-fuels in decarbonizing the marine shipping sector. A selection of zero-carbon, net-zero carbon, and low-lifecycle-carbon-fuels are reviewed. This work focuses on the opportunities and challenges of displacing distillate fossil fuels for decarbonizing marine shipping. Enabling technologies such as next-generation air handling, fuel injection systems, and advanced combustion modes are discussed in the context of their role in the future of low-CO2 intensity shipping.

Editorial –‘Thermo- and fluid-dynamics of clean propulsion powerplants’: THIESEL 2022 Special Issue by Xandra Margot

“…THIESEL 2022, the conference on Thermo-and Fluid Dynamics of Clean Propulsion Powerplants is the 12th edition of this biennial conference, and it has marked a turning point in its history. Throughout the years, the conference has gained in visibility because it has adapted its topics to the changing conditions imposed by pollutant regulations, 1,2 with a first significant change in 2012 to include DI gasoline engines. 3 However, it has become clear that the electrification of automobiles is displacing the thermal engine from its primary role, as this is one more component of hybridized powertrains.…”