Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312). This special issue belongs to the section "Ocean Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 April 2025) | Viewed by 7197

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, Sejong, Republic of Korea
Interests: green shipping corridor; green finance; ship’s energy efficiency; zero-carbon fuels

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, the maritime industry encounters challengeable decarbonization. The 2023 IMO GHG strategy envisages a reduction in the carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by the year 2030; it also includes a new level of ambition relating to the zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, zero-carbon fuels, etc. Therefore, the maritime industry also needs to be aligned with the Paris Agreement for sustainable growth. This industry is essential to prepare for the enforced GHG regulatory frameworks by using the appropriate measures with regard to low or zero-carbon fuels, energy-saving devices, engine retrofit, carbon capture and sequestration, etc. This Special Issue covers low or zero-carbon fuel bunkering, technological development, the global supply chain, and shipping optimization, along with other related topics. Studies on decarbonization, energy efficiency, GHG emissions related to Scope 3, green fuel technology, and sustainable shipping strategies are also welcome.

Dr. Junkeon Ahn
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • decarbonization
  • GHG emissions
  • green fuel supply chain
  • green shipping strategy
  • sustainable maritime transportation
  • net-zero

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 8076 KiB  
Article
Structural Assessment of Independent Type-C Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank
by Seung-Joo Cha, Hyun-Jin Tak, Byeong-Kwan Hwang, Jong-Pil Lee, Jeong-Hyeon Kim and Jae-Myung Lee
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040730 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 437
Abstract
As environmental pollution has become a global concern, regulations on carbon emissions from maritime activities are being implemented, and interest in using renewable energy as fuel for ships is growing. Hydrogen, which does not release carbon dioxide and has a high energy density, [...] Read more.
As environmental pollution has become a global concern, regulations on carbon emissions from maritime activities are being implemented, and interest in using renewable energy as fuel for ships is growing. Hydrogen, which does not release carbon dioxide and has a high energy density, can potentially replace fossil fuels as a renewable energy source. Notably, storage of hydrogen in a liquid state is considered the most efficient. In this study, a 0.7 m3 liquid hydrogen fuel tank suitable for small vessels was designed, and a structural analysis was conducted to assess its structural integrity. The extremely low liquefaction temperature of hydrogen at −253 °C and the need for spatial efficiency in liquid hydrogen fuel tanks make vacuum insulation essential to minimize the heat transfer due to convection. A composite insulation system of sprayed-on foam insulation (SOFI) and multilayer insulation (MLI) was applied in the vacuum annular space between the inner and outer shells, and a tube-shaped supporter made of a G-11 cryogenic (CR) material with low thermal conductivity and high strength was employed. The material selected for the inner and outer layers of the tank was STS 316L, which exhibits sufficient ductility and strength at cryogenic temperatures and has low sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement. The insulation performance was quantitatively assessed by calculating the boil-off rate (BOR) of the designed fuel tank. Structural integrity evaluations were conducted for nine load cases using heat transfer and structural analyses in accordance with the IGF code. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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20 pages, 3225 KiB  
Article
Merging Multiple System Perspectives: The Key to Effective Inland Shipping Emission-Reduction Policy Design
by Solange van der Werff, Fedor Baart and Mark van Koningsveld
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(4), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13040716 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Policymakers in the maritime sector face the challenge of designing and implementing decarbonization policies while maintaining safe navigation. Herein, the inland sector serves as a promising stepping stone due to the possibility of creating a dense energy supply infrastructure and shorter distances compared [...] Read more.
Policymakers in the maritime sector face the challenge of designing and implementing decarbonization policies while maintaining safe navigation. Herein, the inland sector serves as a promising stepping stone due to the possibility of creating a dense energy supply infrastructure and shorter distances compared to marine shipping. A key challenge is to consider the totality of all operational profiles as a result of the range of vessels and routes encountering varying local circumstances. In this study, we use a new scheme called “event table” to transform big data on vessel trajectories (AIS data) combined with energy-estimating algorithms into shipping-emission outcomes that can be evaluated from multiple perspectives. We can subsequently tie observations in one perspective (for example, large-scale spatial patterns on a map) to supporting explanations based on another perspective (for example, water currents, vessel speeds, or engine ages and their contributions to emissions). Hence, combining these outcomes from multiple perspectives and evaluation scales provides an essential understanding of how the system works and what the most effective improvement measures will be. With our approach, we can translate large quantities of data from multiple sources into multiple linked perspectives on the shipping system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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25 pages, 38766 KiB  
Article
A Data-Driven Approach to Analyzing Fuel-Switching Behavior and Predictive Modeling of Liquefied Natural Gas and Low Sulfur Fuel Oil Consumption in Dual-Fuel Vessels
by Hyunju Kim, Sangbong Lee, Jihwan Lee and Donghyun Kim
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122235 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1037
Abstract
International shipping is responsible for approximately 2.7% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, a share expected to rise by as much as 250% by 2050. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce these emissions to near-zero by [...] Read more.
International shipping is responsible for approximately 2.7% of the global greenhouse gas emissions, a share expected to rise by as much as 250% by 2050. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce these emissions to near-zero by 2050, focusing on alternative fuels like LNG. This study examines the energy consumption patterns of dual-fuel engines powered by LNG and develops machine learning models using LightGBM to predict fuel usage for both fuel oil (FO) and gas (GAS) modes. The methodology involved analyzing operational data to identify patterns in fuel usage across different voyage conditions. The FO mode was found to be predominantly used for rapid propulsion during speed changes or directional shifts, while the GAS mode was optimized for stable conditions to maximize fuel efficiency. Additionally, a mixed mode of FO and GAS was occasionally applied on complex routes to balance safety and efficiency. Using these insights, LightGBM models were trained to predict fuel consumption in each mode, achieving high accuracy with R2 scores of 0.94 for the GAS mode and 0.98 for the FO mode. This model enables ship operators to optimize fuel decisions in response to varying voyage conditions, resulting in reduced overall fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. By applying the predictive model, operators can adjust fuel usage strategies to match operational demands, potentially achieving notable cost savings and meeting stricter environmental regulations. Furthermore, the accurate estimation of fuel usage supports CO2 emissions management, aligning with the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and providing ship operators with actionable data for fleet management optimization. This research provides essential data to support carbon emission compliance, improves fuel efficiency, and offers practical insights into fuel management strategies. The predictive model serves as a valuable resource for ship operators to optimize fuel use and aligns with the IMO’s environmental targets, aiding the maritime industry’s transition toward carbon neutrality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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11 pages, 1491 KiB  
Article
Energy Management Strategies for Hybrid Propulsion Ferry with Different Battery System Capacities
by Minsoo Choi, Jungho Choi, Dahye Sung and Wongwan Jung
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122165 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1398
Abstract
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been continuously strengthening environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, which has led to increased attention on hybrid ship propulsion systems combining hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. This study analyzes the energy management strategy of [...] Read more.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been continuously strengthening environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, which has led to increased attention on hybrid ship propulsion systems combining hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. This study analyzes the energy management strategy of a hybrid ship propulsion system in relation to changes in the battery system’s energy capacity. The target vessel was set as a 500 kW-class ferry operating for 24 h, and the maximum current rate (C-rate) and effects of the equivalence factor, which are key elements of the energy management problem, in relation to changes in energy capacity were investigated. The results show that while changes in the battery system’s energy capacity do not significantly affect the optimal operating point of the hybrid ship propulsion system, they are highly influenced by the response speed of the hydrogen fuel gas supply system and fuel cells, as well as the maximum C-rate required by the battery system. Furthermore, the equivalence factor, one of the key parameters in the optimization problem, tends to vary depending on the degree of charging and discharging, as it affects the equivalent fuel consumption of the battery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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24 pages, 8807 KiB  
Article
A Study on Welding Sensitivity Assessment and Deformation Control of International Maritime Organization Type C Liquefied Natural Gas Fuel Tank Support Structures Using the Direct Inherent Strain Method
by Dong-Hee Park, Jin-Hyuk Yang, Sung-Hoon Kim, Jeong-Hyeon Kim and Jae-Myung Lee
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(12), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12122161 - 26 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 893
Abstract
The increasing burden on shipowners and shipping companies due to environmental regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has led to the adoption of various compliance strategies, including the use of low-sulfur fuel, installation of scrubbers, and the use of liquefied natural [...] Read more.
The increasing burden on shipowners and shipping companies due to environmental regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has led to the adoption of various compliance strategies, including the use of low-sulfur fuel, installation of scrubbers, and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel. LNG is particularly prevalent in dual-fuel propulsion ships, with the IMO Type C tank being the most commonly used storage facility. The structure of the IMO Type C tank comprises a pressure vessel and supporting saddles, which can be integrated or separate systems. Despite being manufactured within specified tolerances, welding-induced deformation of the tank and saddle is inevitable since the saddle is welded directly onto the hull. In integrated tank–saddle systems, this deformation can lead to cracks in the epoxy resin, which has lower strength and stiffness, as well as burn damage to the resin and wooden blocks from welding heat. In separate tank–saddle systems, installation difficulties can arise due to interference between the fuel tank system and adjacent structures, such as insulation or the fuel preparation room (FPR), resulting from saddle deformation caused by welding. This study analyzes the sensitivity of all weld lines involved in saddle installation using the direct inherent strain (DIS) method. Based on this analysis, the initial welding deformations are evaluated in relation to the welding direction and sequence. Finally, an optimized method for saddle installation is proposed to minimize deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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18 pages, 6714 KiB  
Article
Impact of Wind-Assisted Propulsion on Fuel Savings and Propeller Efficiency: A Case Study
by Ante Čalić, Zdeslav Jurić and Marko Katalinić
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(11), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12112100 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2178
Abstract
In order to meet current and future efforts to reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions, an increasing number of ships are being retrofitted with one of the wind-assisted propulsion solutions. In this paper, the effects of retrofitted wind-assisted propulsion on the efficiency of [...] Read more.
In order to meet current and future efforts to reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions, an increasing number of ships are being retrofitted with one of the wind-assisted propulsion solutions. In this paper, the effects of retrofitted wind-assisted propulsion on the efficiency of the propeller are investigated. The installed ship propeller is usually designed to operate under specific conditions; once the thrust force from the sails is added, the operating point of the propeller changes. Taking into consideration the reduced efficiency of the propeller, which is no longer operating in its optimal regime, the actual wind-assisted propulsion contribution can be calculated. The wind-assisted contribution is calculated with a velocity prediction program as a reduction in conventional propulsion power output by maintaining the vessel’s designed speed. From the calculated variations in sail thrust force, dependent on the wind speed, the propeller efficiency is analyzed for different operating states. The propulsion efficiency of the propeller was analyzed with a performance characteristics calculation tool that has been developed and presented in this paper. From the meteorological data obtained from Copernicus Marine Services and available ship documentation, a case study was conducted for a selected route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping Corridors and GHG Emissions)
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