How is Shipping Reducing its CO2 Emissions?

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Energy efficient measures and alternative fuel sources

Although the shipping industry is already very energy efficient, additional improvements to hull, engine and propeller design are expected to produce further reductions in fuel consumption. There may also be possibilities for the better utilisation of waste heat.

The increasing size of many ships is also expected to improve fuel efficiency. In addition, operational measures (e.g. better speed management throughout the course of a voyage) are also expected to reduce fuel consumption and are addressed in detail by the new Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan that has been made mandatory by IMO.

Shipping companies have a very strong incentive to reduce their fuel consumption and thus reduce their CO2 emissions: bunker costs represent an increasingly significant proportion of ships’ operational expenses, having increased by about 300% in the last 5 years. There is every expectation that marine bunker prices will remain high.

Furthermore, the cost of ships’ fuel is expected to increase by a further 50% as a result of the increased use of (low sulphur) distillate fuel that will follow the implementation of the new IMO rules (MARPOL Annex VI) that will apply globally in Emission Control Areas by 2015.

Alternative Fuel Sources:

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, may have a place in helping to meet some ancillary requirements, such as lighting on board ships.

Fuel cells may be a possibility for new ships in the very long term, although they are currently too limited in range to offer a viable solution.

Nuclear propulsion for merchant ships is technically possible, although safety and security implications and support infrastructure costs would require serious consideration.

LNG produces lower emissions, and could be a solution, especially for short sea trades, if supply infrastructure can be developed.

Third generation biofuels might conceivably provide a possible alternative although there is considerable public debate about the net environmental costs and social effects

Find more information on how shipping is able to reduce its emissions by reading ICS brochure ” Shipping, World Trade and the Reduction of CO2 Emissions”

Also visit ICS official website at http://www.ics-shipping.org