Air quality forecasting of along-route ship emissions in realistic meteo-marine scenarios

Abstract

This study introduces a novel framework of metocean prediction and ship performance models that integrate multiple layers of modeling to evaluate the environmental impact of ship emissions. It enables scenario simulations that assess a ship’s performance, estimates pollutant emissions, and simulate the fate of these pollutants in the atmosphere. The study analyzes the fate of NOx, SO2, and PM10 pollutants in the atmosphere using spatially distributed concentration maps. It provides a comprehensive approach to assessing the environmental effects of ships and their emissions and contributes to the field of environmental impact assessment. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the framework’s functionalities, evaluating the interrelationships between adverse meteo-marine conditions, pollutant emissions, and resulting atmospheric diffusion characteristics.