Alternative (renewable) energy in shipping

• Main Author: Neo, Xin Yi.
• Other Authors: Chew Ah Seng, David
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52898
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Soaring high oil prices, increasing world energy consumption, possible depletion of oil supply and the growing pollution concerns to reduce toxic emissions from vessels became the main stimulus that drives and renews worldwide interest to explore fuel efficient techniques and source for renewable energy. Increased globalization and competition cause ship-owners to seek various methods to gain economies of scale and minimizing cost to their businesses. However, bigger vessels will consume more bunker fuels, leading to more emissions of toxic pollutants. Current fuel efficient techniques adopted by shipping do not entirely eliminate emission released and the introduction of renewable energy might be the optimum solution. Past literatures reveal that there is no incorporation of the applicability of these renewable technologies to specific trade sectors, namely dry and wet bulk, and container sector. Therefore, suggestions on how these technologies can be used to place on potential areas on related vessels (bulk carriers, tankers and container vessels) are made. Its inability to supply reliable energy needs and additional handling requirements to crew members were discovered from the author’s analysis. Based on the results from primary data, shipping stakeholders identify renewable energy can yield good environmental benefits and reduce dependence over fossil fuel supply. However, main concerns like cost and maturity of renewable energy technologies discourage ship-owners who are earning modest profits to consider it as an option. Finally, recommendations are suggested based on the context of the concluding current state of renewable energy. There should be more cooperation and support from shipping stakeholders and the use of hybrid system onboard vessels might serve as a good start towards more adoption of renewable energy in shipping.