Shore power as a first step toward shipping decarbonization and related policy impact on a dry bulk cargo carrier

Abstract

Maritime shipping currently emits 2.89% of the world greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and it is estimated that the sector will reach the road transportation level by 2060. International environmental regulations push the industry to lower their GHG emissions, but the feasibility and viability of future green energy is uncertain. This paper presents a road towards green maritime shipping by proposing shore power, also known as cold ironing or alternative marine power, as a key measure to decarbonize the industry. Therefore, transition pathways and the available measures to decarbonize the industry are analyzed. A theoretical description of shore power along with a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the technology is discussed. The paper is also supported with a test case on a real bulk carrier to measure the score improvement of shore power on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Index (CII). In summary, shore power can reduce GHG and air polluting emissions at ports right now and across the world. The case of study determined that shore power could improve CII by 7.8% and policy modifications have been presented to include shore power in EEDI and EEXI calculations. Most of all, shore power can eliminate 100% of emissions of ships at berth right now. Furthermore, shore power is a prime mover for the development of new maritime applications like hybridization and electrification. • Roadmap proposition for the maritime sector to lower its carbon emissions. • Clear, concise, and comprehensive review of the green technologies in the maritime industry. • Good insights and future trends for the maritime industry emissions reduction. • Impact of Shore Power on international environmental regulations and incentives. • Real case study of a dry bulk cargo carrier emission analysis.