Sustainability in Maritime Transport: Advances, Solutions and Pending Tasks

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 32405

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Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

In accordance with the European Commission indications, based on the third IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Study 2015, maritime transport is responsible for about 13% of global GHG emissions, with a clear increasing trend if no control actions are implemented. Furthermore, the IMO GHG study showed that shipping emissions could increase between 50% and 250% by 2050, in clear disagreement with the Paris Agreement.

At the same time, there is a certain delay in the response from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which can be considered the appropriate organization to fight against this threat, and the European Commission has had to take action on the matter. To organize the necessary research activities, the European Commission has defined 3 steps toward reducing GHG emissions from the shipping industry:

  • Monitoring, reporting, and verification of CO2 emissions from large ships that use EU ports
  • Greenhouse gas reduction targets 
  • Further measures

After an initial sampling step, an initial goal was defined in accordance with the Paris Agreement to reduce GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. While this is a promising step, it is just a proposal, and the related research activities remain to be developed. To materialize solutions for this problematic situation, some amendments from the European Union are centered into supporting IMO energy efficiency projects and the implementation of standards such as Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

Nowadays, the tendency in research activities is to fall short of complete development due to the lack of original ideas—these must be proposed and demonstrated by the scientific community as the first step towards an international solution. This is the aim of this Special Issue: to demonstrate new technical solutions to this global problem as a useful tool for international organizations in the near future, toward developing support processes and establishing standardization.

Finally, like in previous issues, the collaboration between companies and research centers may be the optimal tool to help this kind of organization with technical solutions derived from their related knowledge areas, which can be among the topics to be explored this issue:

  • Slow steaming (Marine Engineering),
  • Weather routing (Navigation Science),
  • Ship designs (Naval Architecture)
  • Ports design (Civil Engineering)

Dr. José A. Orosa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sustainability
  • green maritime transport
  • ship
  • maritime
  • GHG
  • energy
  • navigation
  • ports
  • ship design

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
Sustainability in Maritime Transport: Advances, Solutions and Pending Tasks
by José A. Orosa
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7618; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13137618 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 575
Abstract
This Special Issue “Sustainability in Maritime Transport: Advances, Solutions and Pending Tasks”, gives an up-to-date overview of the use new technologies to obtain more sustainable maritime transport based on new combustibles, working procedures and related industries, with all of them in agreement with [...] Read more.
This Special Issue “Sustainability in Maritime Transport: Advances, Solutions and Pending Tasks”, gives an up-to-date overview of the use new technologies to obtain more sustainable maritime transport based on new combustibles, working procedures and related industries, with all of them in agreement with the technical limitations indicated by safety on board [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

25 pages, 2767 KiB  
Article
The Analysis of Social and Situational Systems as Components of Human Errors Resulting in Navigational Accidents
by Lech Kasyk, Anna Eliza Wolnowska, Krzysztof Pleskacz and Tomasz Kapuściński
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13116780 - 02 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1301
Abstract
As in any industry exposed to risk, human and organizational factors are the main stakes of maritime safety. Understanding the causes and risks of maritime accidents is integral to the sustainability of shipping. The investigation of marine accidents is a crucial tool for [...] Read more.
As in any industry exposed to risk, human and organizational factors are the main stakes of maritime safety. Understanding the causes and risks of maritime accidents is integral to the sustainability of shipping. The investigation of marine accidents is a crucial tool for their identification in areas related to operations and ships, including social and situational systems, their design, and technical systems. The authors conducted a cause–effect analysis of marine incidents. For this purpose, case-by-case analysis and an Ishikawa diagram were used, which is a tool that helps identify actual or potential causes of accidents. The study showed that by far the most significant cross-section of causes of accidents were elements of social and situational systems that affect the safety of the ship, crew, and environment. The least significant contribution came from the machinery area. Through the detailed descriptions, a picture emerges not so much of a lack of knowledge of the regulations as of a failure to comply with existing procedures or best practices. In the authors’ opinion, more emphasis is needed on preventive measures, including safety culture, training, competence assessment, and increased awareness of the need for sustainability. Full article
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21 pages, 3140 KiB  
Article
Impact of Port Clearance on Ships Safety, Energy Consumption and Emissions
by Vytautas Paulauskas, Donatas Paulauskas and Vytas Paulauskas
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5582; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13095582 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1097
Abstract
The safety of shipping, energy consumption and environmental impact in ports and port channels is very critical. One of the most important elements in the provision of safe navigation, energy consumption and emissions generation is the depth of ports so that under all [...] Read more.
The safety of shipping, energy consumption and environmental impact in ports and port channels is very critical. One of the most important elements in the provision of safe navigation, energy consumption and emissions generation is the depth of ports so that under all conditions the hull of a ship does not touch the bottom of the channels or the bottom of the basin, as well as optimizing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact. The very high depth reserves in ports make it possible to ensure the safety of shipping, but at the same time require huge investments in the dredging and maintenance of a port’s channels and basins, which can have a negative impact on a port’s economic results. Optimizing the depth of port channels and basins is very important from an economic, maritime safety, energy saving and environmental point of view, as vessels navigating port channels and basins must not only keep their hulls off the bottom of the channel or basin, but also have good controllability, use minimal energy consumption and minimize their environmental impact. With good maneuverability, the number of and need for auxiliary vehicles (tugs) can be minimized. This article analyses the relationship between ships’ draught and port channels and basins depths, which influences the aspects of a ship’s controllability, in order to optimize the depths of port channels and basins and, at the same time, minimize energy consumption and environmental impact while preserving the necessary navigational safety. Full article
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19 pages, 4641 KiB  
Article
Prospect of LNG as Marine Fuel in Indonesia: An Economic Review for a Case Study of 600 TEU Container Vessel
by Riko Butarbutar, Raja Oloan Saut Gurning and Semin
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 2760; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13052760 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1719
Abstract
The alternative use of environmentally friendly marine fuel by Indonesian vessel owners complies with IMO regulations. Marine fuels with low carbon and sulfur are alternative fuels to the current fossil fuels used by the shipping industry. Some alternative marine fuels are being used [...] Read more.
The alternative use of environmentally friendly marine fuel by Indonesian vessel owners complies with IMO regulations. Marine fuels with low carbon and sulfur are alternative fuels to the current fossil fuels used by the shipping industry. Some alternative marine fuels are being used or developed such as LNG, hydrogen, and methanol. LNG is one alternative fuel that is used significantly as a marine fuel in the shipping industry. As one of the LNG producers, Indonesia is still behind in using LNG as an alternative marine fuel. One of the main reasons is the use of conventional marine fuels such as HFO, MDO, MGO and the understanding of LNG as an expensive and high-risk commodity. However, vessel owners face various challenges when selecting alternative fuel, which is associated with price and technology. This study aims to analyze a 600 TEU container vessel by calculating its net present value, the capital recovery factor and life cycle analysis (LCA) to determine whether owners carry out the investment. The result of the economic analysis for the 600 TEU vessel showed that the investment of retrofit for LNG as a marine fuel will be a good choice for owners due to the challenge of capital cost for financing a new vessel. Full article
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13 pages, 704 KiB  
Article
Determination of Benefits of the Application of CMMS Database Improvement Proposals
by Ladislav Stazić, Nikola Račić, Tatjana Stanivuk and Đorđe Dobrota
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2731; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13042731 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1403
Abstract
Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs) are software packages that support or organize the maintenance tasks of assets or equipment. They are found in the background of any ship maintenance operation and are an important part of maintenance planning, spare parts supply, record keeping, [...] Read more.
Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs) are software packages that support or organize the maintenance tasks of assets or equipment. They are found in the background of any ship maintenance operation and are an important part of maintenance planning, spare parts supply, record keeping, etc. In the marine market, there are a number of CMMSs that are competing fiercely to program a better and more modern program that will capture the market, which has been accompanied by published analyses and scientific papers. At the same time, the quality of the data entered into CMMS databases is questionable, a fact that has been ignored in practice and scientific circles; until recently, there were no published analyses and there was no way to measure the quality of the data entered. This article presents two proposals for improving the quality of CMMS databases and calculates their potential benefits. By implementing the first proposal, the evaluation methodology for the ship’s Planned Maintenance System database, between 10% and 15% of databases will have significant financial or safety benefits. This measure will also have an impact on more than 40% of the other databases that can also be improved. The second proposal will have a smaller impact of only 4%. The overall benefit of these proposals is to improve more than 60% of the databases and will result in a significant increase in safety or financial savings. Full article
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17 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Maximum Safe Parameters of Ships in Complex Systems of Port Waterways
by Stanisław Gucma, Maciej Gucma, Rafał Gralak and Marcin Przywarty
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7692; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12157692 - 30 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1145
Abstract
Context: From the perspective of marine traffic engineering, a system of port waterways is composed of a set of waterways (port areas), such as approach channels, port entrance, inner fairways (port channels, rivers, lakes), turning basins and port basins of various terminals. The [...] Read more.
Context: From the perspective of marine traffic engineering, a system of port waterways is composed of a set of waterways (port areas), such as approach channels, port entrance, inner fairways (port channels, rivers, lakes), turning basins and port basins of various terminals. The sea waterway must be adjusted to the navigation of specific types of ships, characterized by length, breadth, draft and airdraft. The primary requirement for shipping in sea waterways is the safety of navigation. Each sea waterway has traffic restrictions for the ships using it. These restrictions are called conditions of sea waterway operation or conditions of ship operation in the sea waterway. Problem: There are a number of empirical, deterministic or probabilistic methods to determine the safe width of maneuvering areas on port waterways. The direct application of empirical methods to determine the conditions for the safe operation of ships on the complex waterway, such as the Świnoujście–Szczecin fairway, was impossible due to the complexity of the waterway and various restrictions on its individual parts. Method: The paper presents the assumptions and calculation procedure of a method allowing for the determination of maximum safe parameters of ships in existing complex waterways. Results: The proposed method was used in the preparation of port regulations for the dredged and widened Świnoujście–Szczecin waterway. The results of these calculations are presented as a practical application of the method. Conclusions: This article defines conditions for the safe operation of ships in complex port waterways systems and presents the methodology for determining maximum safe parameters of ships in existing complex port waterways systems. Full article
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21 pages, 2730 KiB  
Article
Human-Related Hazardous Events Assessment for Suffocation on Ships by Integrating Bayesian Network and Complex Network
by Weiliang Qiao, Hongtongyang Guo, Enze Huang, Wanyi Deng, Chuanping Lian and Haiquan Chen
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6905; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12146905 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
To investigate the human-related factors associated with suffocation on ships during docking repair, a comprehensive analysis model composed of a Bayesian network (BN) and a complex network (CN) is proposed in the present study. The principle of event tree analysis (ETA) is firstly [...] Read more.
To investigate the human-related factors associated with suffocation on ships during docking repair, a comprehensive analysis model composed of a Bayesian network (BN) and a complex network (CN) is proposed in the present study. The principle of event tree analysis (ETA) is firstly applied to identify the hazardous events involved in the accident according to the accident report, based on which the CN would then be developed with the logic relationships among the hazardous events. The improved K-shell decomposition algorithm is utilized to determine the criticality of nodes in the CN, the results of which are then used to develop the BN model within the framework of a human factor analysis classification system (HFACS). Then, the developed BN model can be simulated with the probability distribution of all the nodes within the BN, which are obtained on the basis of node criticality. Finally, the results of the BN simulation are interpreted from the perspectives of a brief analysis, backward analysis and sensitivity analysis. The results are verified with existing studies and the accident investigation report issued by authority, which are presented as evidence to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology to evaluate the human-related risk involved in the suffocation on ships. The methodology proposed in this study integrates the advantages of BN and CN to investigate the human-related hazardous events involved in maritime accidents, which can be seen as the main innovation of this work. Full article
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22 pages, 6943 KiB  
Article
Cruise Industry Trends and Cruise Ships’ Navigational Practices in the Central and South Part of the Adriatic East Coast Affecting Navigational Safety and Sustainable Development
by Josip Dorigatti, Tina Perić and Gorana Jelić Mrčelić
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 6884; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12146884 - 07 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1850
Abstract
The analysis of cruising trends in the Mediterranean regions shows that the Adriatic is the fastest growing cruise region in terms of the number of passenger movements and cruise ships’ port calls among all regions, particularly the central and south part of the [...] Read more.
The analysis of cruising trends in the Mediterranean regions shows that the Adriatic is the fastest growing cruise region in terms of the number of passenger movements and cruise ships’ port calls among all regions, particularly the central and south part of the east Adriatic coast. The aim of the paper is to analyze leading cruise destination trends in the central and south part of the Adriatic east coast, as well as to identify newly established cruise ships routes, define high-risk navigational and environmental areas and determine cruise traffic density in the vicinity of marine protected areas. The analyses of leading cruise destinations trends are based on four-year (from 2015 to 2019) cruise passenger movement and cruise calls data, whereas analyses of cruise traffic movement are based on one-year cruise ships traffic monitoring (from August 2014 to July 2015). The results of the cruise ship traffic analysis show that cruise ships frequently pass through areas of high navigational and environmental risks that are geographically restricted, navigationally challenging and environmentally sensitive. These routes have become standard navigational practice in newly discovered cruising regions. The obtained results offer a general overview of high-risk cruise ships’ navigational practices in coastal navigation that can be associated with any coastal region in the world. Full article
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24 pages, 9199 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen vs. Batteries: Comparative Safety Assessments for a High-Speed Passenger Ferry
by Foivos Mylonopoulos, Evangelos Boulougouris, Nikoletta L. Trivyza, Alexandros Priftis, Michail Cheliotis, Haibin Wang and Guangyu Shi
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 2919; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12062919 - 12 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5317
Abstract
Batteries and hydrogen constitute two of the most promising solutions for decarbonising international shipping. This paper presents the comparison between a battery and a proton-exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell version of a high-speed catamaran ferry with a main focus on safety. The systems [...] Read more.
Batteries and hydrogen constitute two of the most promising solutions for decarbonising international shipping. This paper presents the comparison between a battery and a proton-exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell version of a high-speed catamaran ferry with a main focus on safety. The systems required for each version are properly sized and fitted according to the applicable rules, and their impact on the overall design is discussed. Hazards for both designs were identified; frequency and consequence indexes for them were input qualitatively, following Novel Technology Qualification and SOLAS Alternative Designs and Arrangements, while certain risk control options were proposed in order to reduce the risks of the most concerned accidental events. The highest ranked risks were analysed by quantitative risk assessments in PyroSim software. The gas dispersion analysis performed for the hydrogen version indicated that it is crucial for the leakage in the fuel cell room to be stopped within 1 s after being detected to prevent the formation of explosive masses under full pipe rupture of 33 mm diameter, even with 120 air changes per hour. For the battery version, the smoke/fire simulation in the battery room indicated that the firefighting system could achieve a 30% reduction in fire duration, with firedoors closed and ventilation shut, compared to the scenario without a firefighting system. Full article
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20 pages, 6000 KiB  
Article
Green Shipping—Multifunctional Marine Scrubbers for Emission Control: Silencing Effect
by Giada Kyaw Oo D’Amore, Marco Biot, Francesco Mauro and Jan Kašpar
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9079; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11199079 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1588
Abstract
Scrubber systems abate the sulphur oxide emissions of engines when cheap fuel oils that are high in sulphur content are employed as combustibles. However, the ships with these voluminous devices installed on board is space demanding. This work analyses the feasibility of incorporating [...] Read more.
Scrubber systems abate the sulphur oxide emissions of engines when cheap fuel oils that are high in sulphur content are employed as combustibles. However, the ships with these voluminous devices installed on board is space demanding. This work analyses the feasibility of incorporating the acoustic abatement of the exhaust gas noise functionality into the scrubber design to provide a combined scrubber–silencer system. For this purpose, a finite element analysis is performed on a simple expansion chamber, which is assessed using both analytical and experimental data. The transmission loss is the acoustic parameter chosen in this work. The numerical model depicts a good correlation with the transmission loss measured on a model scale scrubber. Finally, scrubber geometry modifications alter the transmission loss, changing and/or enhancing its featuring. These abilities indicate the feasibility to confer to scrubber silencing effects. Full article
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13 pages, 2515 KiB  
Article
A New Understanding and Modelling of TSP and BP Indices Compared to Safety IMO Ship Requirements
by José M. Pérez-Canosa, José A. Orosa and Eliseo A. Pacheco
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7142; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11157142 - 02 Aug 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Due to the lack of information about the concept of Tons of Steering Pull (TSP) of many escort tugs, and the lack of research works relating the TSP demanded by a tethered vessel with respect to the TSP provided by tugs, the present [...] Read more.
Due to the lack of information about the concept of Tons of Steering Pull (TSP) of many escort tugs, and the lack of research works relating the TSP demanded by a tethered vessel with respect to the TSP provided by tugs, the present paper shows an original study with mathematical models on how to solve these problems. What is more, an important percentage of the towing sector always employs Bollard Pull (BP), which is considered the only parameter capable of defining performance, so this paper aims to relate BP with TSP. The present research was carried out based on more than 25 escort tugs of different towing companies. Furthermore, a real case study of different tanker vessels was used for modelling purposes of tethered vessels’ TSP. Finally, once the proposed models were obtained, they were compared with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. The results showed charts with the main independent variables of tugs and vessels in order to be as useful and practical as possible to the shipping industry, mainly to ship owners and tug operators, from a safety point of view. Full article
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28 pages, 3257 KiB  
Article
Resilience Assessment for the Northern Sea Route Based on a Fuzzy Bayesian Network
by Weiliang Qiao, Xiaoxue Ma, Yang Liu and He Lan
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3619; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11083619 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2120
Abstract
The safety level of the northern sea route (NSR) is a common concern for the related stakeholders. To address the risks triggered by disruptions initiating from the harsh environment and human factors, a comprehensive framework is proposed based on the perspective of resilience. [...] Read more.
The safety level of the northern sea route (NSR) is a common concern for the related stakeholders. To address the risks triggered by disruptions initiating from the harsh environment and human factors, a comprehensive framework is proposed based on the perspective of resilience. Notably, the resilience of NSR is decomposed into three capacities, namely, the absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and restorative capacity. Moreover, the disruptions to the resilience are identified. Then, a Bayesian network (BN) model is established to quantify resilience, and the prior probabilities of parent nodes and conditional probability table for the network are obtained by fuzzy theory and expert elicitation. Finally, the developed Bayesian networkBN model is simulated to analyze the resilience level of the NSR by back propagation, sensitivity analysis, and information entropy analysis. The general interpretation of these analyses indicates that the emergency response, ice-breaking capacity, and rescue and anti-pollution facilities are the critical factors that contribute to the resilience of the NSR. Good knowledge of the absorptive capacity is the most effective way to reduce the uncertainty of NSR resilience. The present study provides a resilience perspective to understand the safety issues associated with the NSR, which can be seen as the main innovation of this work. Full article
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12 pages, 4614 KiB  
Communication
Toward More Sustainable River Transportation in Remote Regions of the Amazon, Brazil
by Jassiel Vladimir Hernández-Fontes, Harlysson Wheiny Silva Maia, Valeria Chávez and Rodolfo Silva
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2077; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11052077 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2873
Abstract
This paper explores means of achieving more efficient and sustainable river transport in remote regions by making relatively simple, practical modifications to boats or implementing new technologies for propulsion and energy generation. The research focuses on the case of the simple boats used [...] Read more.
This paper explores means of achieving more efficient and sustainable river transport in remote regions by making relatively simple, practical modifications to boats or implementing new technologies for propulsion and energy generation. The research focuses on the case of the simple boats used to transport children to school in riverine communities of the Brazilian Amazon. A range of options to improve the efficiency of existing boats is described. Under normal operational conditions, small improvements to these boats may have long-term environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Implementing changes such as those suggested, it may also be possible to boost sources of employment in these regions and elsewhere, where industrial and technological limitations are significant. Full article
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15 pages, 3788 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Cold Ironing and LNG as Mitigation Tools of Short Sea Shipping Emissions in Port: A Spanish Case Study
by Alba Martínez-López, Alejandro Romero and José A. Orosa
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2050; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11052050 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2872
Abstract
By the end of 2025 European ports are required to provide (Directive 2014/94/EU) facilities to ensure the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) use and on-shore electricity supply for vessels (Cold Ironing—CI). Even though this involves considerable port investment, many uncertainties about CI and LNG [...] Read more.
By the end of 2025 European ports are required to provide (Directive 2014/94/EU) facilities to ensure the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) use and on-shore electricity supply for vessels (Cold Ironing—CI). Even though this involves considerable port investment, many uncertainties about CI and LNG performance exist because their application depends on vessel operators’ willingness. Additionally, lag times for CI connection/disconnection along with methane emissions from LNG undermine their feasibility for Short Sea Shipping (SSS). Since, among the SSS aims are the reduction in berthing times and its effectiveness for-inter-islands’ traffic where, land electricity grids are frequently dependent on the fuel burning generation by penalizing the CI performance. This paper introduces a calculation method to evaluate the pollution savings in monetary terms by CI and LNG use in SSS. The method is applied to three European routes by testing the environmental performance of two fleets: feeder and Ro-Pax vessels. The results show that feeders reach higher environmental improvements by using port mitigation than Ro-Pax vessels. Additionally, the need for ensuring the sustainability of on-shore grids before the CI implementation was evinced, especially in insularity frameworks, where the environmental benefits from LNG use proved to be more effective. Full article
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16 pages, 2034 KiB  
Article
Truck Appointment System for Cooperation between the Transport Companies and the Terminal Operator at Container Terminals
by Hyeonu Im, Jiwon Yu and Chulung Lee
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 168; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11010168 - 27 Dec 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3261
Abstract
Despite the number of sailings canceled in the past few months, as demand has increased, the utilization of ships has become very high, resulting in sudden peaks of activity at the import container terminals. Ship-to-ship operations and yard activity at the container terminals [...] Read more.
Despite the number of sailings canceled in the past few months, as demand has increased, the utilization of ships has become very high, resulting in sudden peaks of activity at the import container terminals. Ship-to-ship operations and yard activity at the container terminals are at their peak and starting to affect land operations on truck arrivals and departures. In response, a Truck Appointment System (TAS) has been developed to mitigate truck congestion that occurs between the gate and the yard of the container terminal. The vehicle booking system is developed and operated in-house at large-scale container terminals, but efficiency is low due to frequent truck schedule changes by the transport companies (forwarders). In this paper, we propose a new form of TAS in which the transport companies and the terminal operator cooperate. Numerical experiments show that the efficiency of the cooperation model is better by comparing the case where the transport company (forwarder) and the terminal operator make their own decision and the case where they cooperate. The cooperation model shows higher efficiency as there are more competing transport companies (forwarders) and more segmented tasks a truck can reserve. Full article
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