The future of marine propulsion systems is being driven by two core factors that are often not part of the same agenda.
First, there is a greater global desire for the world’s shipping fleets and maritime operations to reduce their carbon footprint and go green. (Read: Global markets turn to greener fules for power generation.) Lower emissions are being mandated by a number of organizations. The other factor, of course, is the desire of everyone from operators and end customers to access goods quicker and cheaper than ever before. Cost-effective production may be trumped by other factors in the short term, but it will never fall off the radar.
Because being green and being convenient are most often achieved in much different ways, the industry needs to work harder together than ever to ensure that the development of the future’s fuel and equipment is carefully coordinated to satisfy all objectives and requirements.
The Future of Marine Propulsion Systems and Fuel
There are many ways to go green, and as manufacturers look to move marine propulsion systems forward, it looks as though the focus of research leans more toward emission control than the development of new fuels. This need for lower nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions, as mandated by the International Maritime Organization and International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is potentially putting a pause to advancement of alternative fuels for maritime shipping. (One exception is the work being done with low-emission glycerol fuels by companies including SeaChange Group LLC). That said, there are some interesting fuel trends to keep on your radar:
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Some are jumping back on the LNG bandwagon, especially outfits from the United States and United Kingdom. Increased popularity is driven by both its lower environmental impact and its potential for superior cost effectiveness when compared to traditional marine diesel. Why liquefied gas will rise to the top of fuel alternatives for marine engines. - Nuclear Propulsion
The world continues to get more and more comfortable with the safety, storage and security risks posed by nuclear power in any form and in any setting. The concern over the sheer amount of greenhouse gasses being emitted by the world’s shipping fleets and maritime manufacturing operations – roughly 5 percent of total output – could potentially fuel a greater interest. The cost-effective fuel source is undergoing research in a number of labs, including Los Alamos National Laboratory offshoot Gen4Energy, for maritime applications. - Biofuels
Synthesis gas and biogas are not expected to make any great leaps forward this year, as fuel standards and a bevy of other factors that would fast track research and development remain undecided. Video: Current state of the biodiesel market.
Navigating Tough Standards through Equipment Refinement
Similar to innovation around what fuels maritime propulsion systems, much of the research and iteration on the equipment and engine front is tied to meeting strict new emissions standards. Specifically, many are touting dual-fuel (DF) engines, which utilize a hybrid approach to propulsion.
By outfitting vessels with both LNG and marine grade diesel, for example, one can satisfy sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide requirements in addition to gaining greater fuel efficiency. An added bonus: this setup may also qualify operators for special tax incentives. In other words, DF engines are one of the few marine propulsion systems innovations that fuels lower emissions and greater cost effectiveness.
Marine propulsion systems are being driven forward by a desire to limit their impact on the environment more than an at any other moment in history. While manufacturers have not given up on producing alternative fuels, new equipment and engines that provide for a faster, cheaper and more convenient delivery of goods and services to end users, they’re hyper-focused on going green for the foreseeable future.
