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The Evolution of Shipping Fuel Towards Sustainability
The history of shipping dates back to the dawn of civilisation. Before the age of hydrocarbons, wind, oars, and sails propelled ships across the seas. However, the Industrial Revolution brought about a transformative shift with the emergence of coal-powered steamships in the 19th century. This transition marked a monumental change in the shipping sector, enhancing power and reliability, and consequently fostering extensive trade and economic growth.
The start of the 20th century witnessed the dominance of oil as a more efficient and versatile alternative to coal. Internal combustion engines, fuelled by oil, facilitated greater speed and extended range, bolstering global connectivity. Nevertheless, maritime safety concerns, notably highlighted by the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, emphasised the need for secure and efficient fuel storage and supply systems, giving rise to bunker fuel or heavy fuel oil derived from refining crude oil. While bunker fuel became popular due to its affordability and availability, it raised environmental alarms due to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to these concerns, international regulatory bodies, such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), have introduced policies such as MARPOL Annex VI to control emissions from shipping vessels. Environmental awareness prompted regulatory efforts aimed at limiting the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts led to the implementation of sulfur emission regulations (Sulfur Cap) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and initiatives like the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
Transition Towards Sustainability
The 21st century witnessed a surge in research into alternative shipping fuels to mitigate environmental issues. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) emerged as a transitional fuel, offering lower air pollutant emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. Furthermore, biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and recently, methanol, have garnered attention for their potential to decarbonise the shipping industry.
The pursuit of sustainability has led to investments in fuel cell technologies, hybrid propulsion systems, and wind-assisted propulsion, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel efficiency. Additionally, efforts towards the electrification of short-sea shipping routes and the development of zero-emission vessels signify a concerted commitment to environmental stewardship. However, it is widely acknowledged globally that these alternatives serve as complementary solutions and do not replace the need for a hydrocarbon-based fuel.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite advancements, challenges such as infrastructure limitations, the need for international cooperation, technological barriers, and economic viability hinder the widespread adoption of alternative shipping fuels. The critical interface between port infrastructure and ship refuelling stands as a crucial consideration for the wide-scale uptake of new and sustainable fuel sources. Collaborative efforts among governments, industry players, and researchers are imperative for the successful transition to new fuels. Integration of digital technologies and predictive analytics in fuel consumption management could further enhance efficiency improvements.
Conclusion
The evolution of shipping fuel, from its sustainable origins through various phases to the current quest for environmentally conscious alternatives, exemplifies the industry’s transformative journey. As environmental concerns intensify, the shipping sector faces a pivotal moment to redefine its relationship with fuel. ShipFuel-IE, an innovative research project to develop a clear path to a more sustainable shipping industry in Ireland, represents a critical milestone, aligning with the collective commitment to sculpt a greener future for maritime transportation.
Stay tuned for insights and developments as the ShipFuel-IE project team from MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine and leading renewable energy consultants Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), a Venterra Group company, navigate the seas of change, leading Ireland’s shipping sector towards a sustainable and low-carbon future.
This project has been supported with financial contribution from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Department of Transport under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2022, Grant number 22/RDD/800
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12th March 2024