Influence evaluation of the ship propulsion system on the energy efficiency for small, medium and large container vessels

Technical University of Varna, Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: v.nikiforov@tu-varna.bg

Abstract

The transportation of goods worldwide has a vital meaning for the entire of humanity. The seaborne transport is considered to be the most efficient – economically and environmentally friendly way to convey large amount of goods when compared to the other transport options available. Marine vessels contribute for the carriage of about 90 percent of the worldwide trade and a significant part of the goods delivered by sea are performed by container vessels. Even considered as the most efficient way of transportation the negative aspects of the shipping should not be neglected. The fuels intended for the ship propulsion generating enormous amounts of Greenhouse gases (GHG) and harmful emissions which are directly released into the atmosphere. When it comes to Energy Efficiency of the ships, the proper selection of the propulsion system and the fuel type used are essential with regard to achieve the best values. In the current paper a diverse alternative propulsion system options in order to achieve maximum Energy Efficiency on various sizes of container vessels will be analyzed.