Greenhouse – Recent research has shown that it is possible to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) in the shipping industry. They reviewed about 150 academic studies, where they determined that up to 75% of these CO2 emissions could be reduced in a normal scenario by 2050, using just existing technologies.
The count of CO2 emissions emitted by maritime transport is about 3% of the total annual anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; these emissions are estimated to increase by 150-250% in 2050. Therefore, all economic sectors are required to have GHG emissions equal to zero to achieve a climate target of 1.5-2ºC.
It is for this reason that the maritime sector faces the challenge of significantly reduce its GHG emissions as a contribution to the international ambition to limit the effects of climate change. The research examined studies of several widely divisible technologies in hull, power and propulsion designs, alternative fuels, alternative energy sources and operational categories.
In the study by researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Marintek, they consider that reduction rates were set at 35%, 39% and 73% for the years 2020, 2030 and 2050 respectively. In addition the research also noted that the highest potential range reduction, 58-77% was found in 2050 according to estimates, so the time required to take action is anticipated.
The maritime sector is compromised and faces the challenge of drastically reducing its GHG emissions in the coming decades to limit the rate of global warming. This reduction may be complicated by the increasing demand for shipping services. However, the sector has many technological and operational measures to meet the initial objective.
The study concluded that a significant reduction of emissions, (75%), is possible by the rapid adoption and combination of a large number of measures of viable technologies, including for example the optimized size of the vessel and the shape of the hull, water reduced ballast, hull coating, hybrid power and propulsion, propulsion efficiency devices, speed optimization and time routing.
The study was originally published by Transportation Research, whose authors say that success in reducing GHGs will depend on growth rates in shipping and on measures.
Maritime industry still have to meet the challenge of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, published research is available to all who wish to read it and take into account the recommendations there to achieve a climate change.