Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportations Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 2
� 3.6 Marine Vessel Technologies
Globalization of the economy has lead to
increasing marine vessel traffic. For
example, in 1970, 2.5 billion metric tons
of freight were shipped by sea while in
2006, that value increased to 7.4 billion
metric tons (IMO, 2008). Marine traffic
includes shipment of raw materials,
intermediate and final products around
the world; 90 percent of global trade is
carried by marine vessels (IMO, 2008).
Marine vessels represent one of the most
efficient methods of freight transport, as
shown in figure 3.9, and furthermore, are
the only option for transoceanic
shipping, for all but the lightest and
highest value goods.
Shipping activities can be split into
international and domestic traffic. The
international component includes
approximately 100,000 vessels; about half
of this fleet is involved in cargo
shipments, including container ships,
tankers, auto carriers, and general cargo
vessels (IMO, 2008; Fairplay, 2009). Most
of the international cargo fleet is
equipped with large engines similar to
land-based utility power generating equipment (EPA, 2003). These vessels operate in
international, Federal, and coastal State waters, frequenting U.S. deep water ports
operating along both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Vessels involved in domestic traffic
include tugs, bulkers, ferries, offshore support vessels, and harbor craft that operate
mostly in coastal and inland waterways. These vessels are equipped with smaller engines
approximately the size of a large locomotive (EPA, 2007c).
Different policy channels will be appropriate for the international and domestic fleets.
Since ocean-going vessels operating in international and sovereign waters around the
world are flagged by many other countries, improvements would need to be encouraged
through international agencies such as the United Nations’ International Maritime
Organization. International banking organizations also can play an important role in
expediting the introduction of new technologies. For example, capital financing of vessels
favors conventional vessel designs over innovative or “experimental” designs, which may
apply to vessels equipped with the first applications of new environmental technologies
(Corbett, 2009; Kuznik, 2008). The United States can require certain attributes on
3-96
Marine Vessel Technologies
Per Vessel GHG Reduction:
• 4–15% for ship design
• Up to 20% for diesel electric for vessels that
change speed or load frequently (cruise ships,
harbor tugs, and ferries)
Confidence in Estimates: Low
• Considerable range of estimates; benefits of some
technologies not well-documented
Key Cobenefits and Impacts: Positive
• Some technologies can significantly reduce
emissions near populated areas
Feasibility: Moderate
• Mostly limited by vessel operator interest in/
acceptance of new technologies and low fleet
turnover rates
Key Policy Options:
• Work with international marine organizations to
adopt technology standards and market and nonmarket
incentives for fuel efficiency improvements
• Work with domestic operators (ports, ferry) to
purchase efficient technology
• R&D for advanced technologies