A recent study conducted by the Transport Emission Control Team at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has revealed promising insights into the environmental impact of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel for marine engines. Published in the journal Atmospheric Environment X, the study examines methane slip and other emissions from a modern cruise ship equipped with a low-pressure dual-fuel engine.
Key Insights from the Study:
Lower Methane Emissions: The research indicates that methane slip from the newly constructed engine varies with engine load. At high loads (50-80%), emissions ranged from 2.3 to 3.0 grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh), while at low loads (12%), it peaked at 21 g/kWh. This positions the engine at the lower end of methane emissions reported in existing literature.
CO2 Emission Reduction: At operational loads of 50% and above, LNG usage led to a 13-15% decrease in total CO2 equivalent emissions compared to traditional Marine Gas Oil (MGO). However, this trend reverses at lower loads.
Real-World Operating Conditions: An analysis of the ship’s engine load profile over eight months showed that approximately 90% of its operational time was spent at loads above 40%. This suggests that engine load patterns play a critical role in minimizing methane emissions.
Weighted Emission Factor: Based on real-world data, the study established a weighted methane emission factor of 2.8 g/kWh for the specific ship, representing a 45% reduction compared to the default value set by FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Implications for the Maritime Industry
These findings highlight the potential for reducing methane emissions from LNG engines in marine operations. By focusing on optimizing engine development and operational strategies, significant progress can be achieved toward meeting emissions reduction targets in the maritime sector.
This research underscores the importance of continued innovation and investigation in the maritime industry to confront environmental challenges and foster sustainable practices. The results are expected to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and ship operators in their efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport.
As the maritime industry faces increasing scrutiny to meet stringent emission targets, studies like this are vital for advancing our understanding of the environmental consequences of alternative fuels.
The complete study, Methane Slip and Other Emissions from Newbuild LNG Engine Under Real-World Operation of a State-of-the-Art Cruise Ship, is available in the open-access journal Atmospheric Environment X.
Follow the link to read the full version :
Lehtoranta, K., Kortelainen, J., Peitz, D. et al. Verringerung der Partikelemissionen von Marinemotoren. MTZ Motortech Z 85, 56–63 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s35146-024-1990-7
Lehtoranta, K., Kortelainen, J., Peitz, D. et al. Reducing Particle Emissions from Marine Engines. MTZ Worldw 85, 56–63 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s38313-024-1978-1
