Sustainable Shipping – Alternative Fuels and Other Technologies

International trading relies largely on goods transport by ships. The overall CO2 emissions are approximately 3%. Similar to industries and emission sources, these emissions need to be reduced. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) has committed to achieve full climate neutrality for sea-going vessels by 2050. Inland waterway shipping must follow local regulations accordingly. As sea-going ships are typically used for 25 years and inland vessels even longer, the greenhouse gas reduction can’t only be achieved by building new ships. It is necessary to find solutions for existing vessels as well. Several technologies can be used, such as slow steaming, usage of renewable fuels like biofuels, methanol, ammonia or hydrogen, carbon capture, wind-assisted propulsion, hybridization and air lubrication. This presentation gives an overview of the actual and future challenges of the shipping branch. It provides insights into typical maritime propulsion systems, alternative fuels and further applicable technologies and potential impacts on ship design, operation and safety.