Integration of renewable energies in shipping

Introduction

The shipping industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. With increased awareness of climate change, there is an urgent need to transition to sustainable practices.

One promising solution is the integration of renewable energy sources in shipping, which can reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

This article explores various renewable energy options for maritime freight movement, including wind, solar, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. It also discusses the benefits, challenges and technological advances that could further the industry’s sustainability goals.

The drive towards sustainability in shipping

Nautical mobilization is at a crucial juncture, where balancing growing demands with reduced ecological impact is critical. The shift to clean energy is essential for a sustainable future in shipping.

The movement of goods from different ports around the world has begun to adopt alternative energy sources.

Initially used for auxiliary purposes, green energy is now attracting interest in ship propulsion. Wind, solar and hydrogen are among the most promising options, offering significant environmental and operational benefits.

Challenges and opportunities in the decarbonization of the shipbuilding industry

The urgency of decarbonizing this important sector is underscored by the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2023 report, which highlights the need for a 4% annual improvement to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

Achieving this goal requires a fundamental change in the shipping industry’s business models, with an emphasis on environmental conservation as an integral part of progress.

Alternative energies as a vital complement to shipping

Wind propulsion technology, ranging from traditional sails to rotor systems, can meet between 10% and 90% of a ship’s energy needs, depending on location and weather patterns. Advances in weather monitoring further optimize the use of wind-generated energy.

Recent advances in photovoltaic (PV) technology make solar power a viable supplement for ships, particularly smaller ones. Solar panels can offset fuel consumption and power auxiliary systems, reducing overall emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cells represent a reliable alternative, offering a zero-emission solution for ship propulsion. However, challenges such as hydrogen storage and production cost remain significant barriers.

Several avenues for green hydrogen production are being explored, including electrolysis and biomass conversion, but high storage pressures and safety concerns still need to be addressed.

Biofuels from sustainable sources, such as algae, waste and agricultural residues, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used in marine engines.

They offer a short-term solution, as they can be blended with traditional fuels, but challenges such as NOx emissions and the limited scalability of current biofuel sources must be addressed.

Hybrid technologies

Hybrid propulsion systems, which combine traditional diesel engines with electric motors and batteries, offer another way to reduce emissions. These systems can operate more efficiently by optimizing energy use for different energy needs.

Technological advances in wind-assisted propulsion for commercial shipping

The shipping industry is exploring new technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and its dependence on fossil fuels. Wind-assisted propulsion systems are emerging as a promising solution to supplement the power of conventional engines on cargo ships.

Current status of CO₂ emissions

• Maritime transport accounts for approximately 2.1% of global CO₂ emissions.
• More than 90 % of international trade is carried out through maritime transport.
• The sector is the second largest CO₂ emitter after electricity generation.
• Freight transport contributes more than 25% of global CO₂ emissions.

Conclusions

As the shipping industry seeks to decarbonize, wind-assisted propulsion represents a promising avenue for reducing emissions while harnessing renewable energy. The potential for clean energy in shipping is enormous, but harnessing it requires overcoming technological and regulatory challenges.

Harnessing ocean energy offers significant environmental and economic benefits, such as reduced emissions, improved air quality and enhanced energy security. Continued research and real-world testing will be crucial to refining these technologies and driving their widespread adoption in global shipping fleets.

References

1. https://www.nridigital.com/ship-technology-global/
2. https://projects.research-and innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/horizon-magazine/winds-change-new-tech-steering-commercial-shipping-towards-more-sustainable-future
3. https://maritime-executive.com/editorials/sailing-cargo-ships-are-making-a-genuine-comeback
4. https://lcjcapteurs.com/es/innovaciones-en-los-veleros-de-carga/