Royal Academy of Engineering study examines future ship powering options
Shipping has great potential to reduce its environmental impact through new and modified propulsion technologies – but there is no single or simple answer that will meet every need or that can be applied to every type of vessel. Instead, says a report by an expert working group at the Royal Academy of Engineering, further work is needed in two directions:
– to adapt current technologies from the maritime industries and elsewhere to broader application in different types of ship
– to research and develop innovative technologies specifically for maritime propulsion.
The report is intended as a technical aid to the shipping industry which is under pressure internationally to improve its environmental record and increase efficiency. Sir John Parker, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and himself formerly identified closely with the UK shipbuilding industry, said the report was both broad in its application and informed by the expertise that the working party had assembled.
Sir John said: “Shipping is vital to the world economy. It is a critical part of international import and export markets and supports the global distribution of goods. As for all industries, concerns about climate change require the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector. This entails higher fuel prices for low sulphur fuels. It means that the industry must prepare for the new future and investigate alternative, more economic ship propulsion systems.”
You may view the report and find more information at the following article
Safety4Sea – Alternative methods for ship propulsion
