Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping

This research examines four categories of international bulk carriers and forecasts their ability, from 2025 to 2050, to meet the IMO targets for emission reduction: a 20% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, with the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero emissions by...

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Main Authors: Ching-Chih Chang, Ming-Lin Huang, Chien-Hsing Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-10-01
Series:Energy Conversion and Management: X
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174524001806
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author Ching-Chih Chang
Ming-Lin Huang
Chien-Hsing Li
author_facet Ching-Chih Chang
Ming-Lin Huang
Chien-Hsing Li
author_sort Ching-Chih Chang
collection DOAJ
description This research examines four categories of international bulk carriers and forecasts their ability, from 2025 to 2050, to meet the IMO targets for emission reduction: a 20% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, with the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, utilizing a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. It evaluates various scenarios involving different rates of ship demolition and alternative fuel adoption to achieve these targets. Additionally, it investigates the potential costs associated with carbon credits and natural carbon sinks (such as seagrass) in cases where emissions targets are not met. The findings suggest that, under the baseline scenario and Scenario 1, despite increased usage of alternative fuels and declining emission factors, none of the four ship types meet the IMO targets in terms of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, in Scenario 2, where the ship demolition rate steadily increases until the usage of traditional fuel ships reaches zero, and with concurrent reductions in emission factors, emissions decrease substantially and approach the desired targets, though they still fall short. Furthermore, the study analyzes the financial implications of employing carbon credits versus natural carbon sinks to offset emission shortfalls, indicating that Scenario 2 is comparatively less costly. It also demonstrates that leveraging natural carbon sinks is more cost-effective in reducing emission expenses compared to relying solely on carbon credits. Consequently, the research recommends prompt adoption of alternative fuels, acceleration of ship demolition rates, and utilization of natural carbon sinks not only to meet international shipping emission reduction objectives but also to rejuvenate marine ecosystems, thereby fortifying marine environments.
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spelling doaj-art-a1faee7d56754ffab8b51ec64bd2a5652024-12-18T08:51:19ZengElsevierEnergy Conversion and Management: X2590-17452024-10-0124100702Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shippingChing-Chih Chang0Ming-Lin Huang1Chien-Hsing Li2Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science and the Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy. National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Corresponding author.Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science. National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, TaiwanDoctor of Business Administration program. National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Marine Department I, China Steel Express Corporation, 24F, No.88, Chenggong 2nd Rd., Qianzhen Dist., Kaohsiung 80661, TaiwanThis research examines four categories of international bulk carriers and forecasts their ability, from 2025 to 2050, to meet the IMO targets for emission reduction: a 20% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, with the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, utilizing a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. It evaluates various scenarios involving different rates of ship demolition and alternative fuel adoption to achieve these targets. Additionally, it investigates the potential costs associated with carbon credits and natural carbon sinks (such as seagrass) in cases where emissions targets are not met. The findings suggest that, under the baseline scenario and Scenario 1, despite increased usage of alternative fuels and declining emission factors, none of the four ship types meet the IMO targets in terms of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, in Scenario 2, where the ship demolition rate steadily increases until the usage of traditional fuel ships reaches zero, and with concurrent reductions in emission factors, emissions decrease substantially and approach the desired targets, though they still fall short. Furthermore, the study analyzes the financial implications of employing carbon credits versus natural carbon sinks to offset emission shortfalls, indicating that Scenario 2 is comparatively less costly. It also demonstrates that leveraging natural carbon sinks is more cost-effective in reducing emission expenses compared to relying solely on carbon credits. Consequently, the research recommends prompt adoption of alternative fuels, acceleration of ship demolition rates, and utilization of natural carbon sinks not only to meet international shipping emission reduction objectives but also to rejuvenate marine ecosystems, thereby fortifying marine environments.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174524001806Life cycle assessmentGreenhouse gasesBulk shippingAlternative fuelsNatural carbon sinks
spellingShingle Ching-Chih Chang
Ming-Lin Huang
Chien-Hsing Li
Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
Energy Conversion and Management: X
Life cycle assessment
Greenhouse gases
Bulk shipping
Alternative fuels
Natural carbon sinks
title Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
title_full Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
title_fullStr Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
title_short Analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
title_sort analysis of emission reduction strategies for the use of alternative fuels and natural carbon sinks in international bulk shipping
topic Life cycle assessment
Greenhouse gases
Bulk shipping
Alternative fuels
Natural carbon sinks
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174524001806
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AT minglinhuang analysisofemissionreductionstrategiesfortheuseofalternativefuelsandnaturalcarbonsinksininternationalbulkshipping
AT chienhsingli analysisofemissionreductionstrategiesfortheuseofalternativefuelsandnaturalcarbonsinksininternationalbulkshipping