Considerations on the Effect of Slow-Steaming to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ships

Abstract

Carbon dioxide emissions have become a growing problem worldwide. Global institutions are addressing this problem and developing solutions. Countries that are aware of this problem are implementing regulations that affect global industry and, in particular, maritime transport. Considering that the combustion process, namely, diesel, remains the main energy conversion process on board ships, the question arises: what is the best solution to reduce pollutant emissions? Coastal countries have taken various measures to reduce the emission of harmful gases into the marine environment. The problem with these measures is that it is difficult to accurately predict their impact. This paper looks at one of these measures (slow-steaming) to determine how it affects carbon dioxide emissions from different types of ships and their modes of operation. Engine room simulators were used to study two marine power plants under different operating conditions. Fuel consumption was measured, i.e., flows from heavy fuel oil and diesel oil service tanks to all consumers, and carbon emissions were calculated accordingly. The study showed a large reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the case of a modern power plant ship, and large deviations when all operating modes were compared.

Keywords

• environmental protection
• fuel consumption
• carbon dioxide