Use of Alternative Fuels in Containerships

The sailing of containerships in the ocean is powered by petroleum derivatives such as petrol and diesel that release shipping emissions into the environment, causing global warming. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is alarmed by the rate of shipping emissions caused by ships annually and is taking measures to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Green initiative has introduced alternative fuels in containerships to reduce carbon emissions and minimise carbon footprints. This article will highlight the various alternative fuels and their benefits in the maritime industry.

What are containerships?

In the maritime industry, container ships or merchant vessels carry intermodal shipping containers across international ports. These ships are specially designed to accommodate shipping containers inboard. They are equipped with all necessary facilities required for loading, unloading and handling cargo containers and also have seafarers on board to supervise the transportation. Ocean shipping contributes to significant global trade by transporting dry goods into intermodal containers. Containerships are a type of cargo ship used by the merchant navy for commercial purposes and are large and fast. They act as a prime link between the origin and destination ports for cross-border trade through international waters.

What are the alternative fuels for containerships?

Alternative fuels are derivative power sources that replace all other fuels refined from petroleum. Instead of using petrol or diesel for operating and powering vehicles, the maritime industry is switching to renewable energy sources and alternative fuels as part of the green initiative project the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) started. These fuels are substitutes for fossil oil sources. For example — biofuels, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, electricity, methanol, and coal-derived liquid fuels are some of the best alternative fuels. These fuels are suitable for the internal combustion engine of vehicles as they are clean and cause lesser harm to the environment than traditional petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel.

Why is there a need for alternative fuels?

The maritime industry supervises numerous ports across the globe. Every port witnesses a significant amount of sailings annually. The containerships powered up using petroleum-derived fuels travel long distances for the international shipping of goods. They also spend a fair share of time at berthing, anchorage or stopping for refuelling or maintenance during voyages. The fuel is constantly burning to power up the containerships, and that leads to a harmful impact on nature. The need for switching to alternative fuels is due to

• Carbon emissions from containerships cause damage to the environment.
• Petroleum is a natural fossil fuel and is limited in nature.
• It is a high-density and non-renewable fuel source.
• Petroleum spills in the ocean due to the wrecking of containerships harm the marine ecosystem by releasing harmful toxins into the water.

What are the benefits of alternative fuel in containerships?

1. Alternative fuels are clean and renewable energy sources and help reduce greenhouse gases.
2. Switching to alternative fuels instead of traditional ones does not require high-cost investment. Containerships need to make a few minor modifications to their existing engines.
3. Using alternative fuels in containerships and ports, the IMO gets closer to its goal of decarbonisation in shipping.
4. LNG, hydrogen, biodiesel, and methanol are a few of the alternative fuels being heavily consumed as marine fuels as they are easy to store and contribute towards green shipping.
5. All alternative fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, are manufactured from renewable energy sources and thus help in waste management and energy conservation.

Challenges of implementing alternative fuels in maritime

1. It is difficult for all containerships to switch to alternative fuels altogether as they are limited and yet to be made available globally. Therefore, it becomes challenging to adopt alternative fuels on a broader scale.
2. A high-cost investment is needed to upgrade port infrastructures to become suitable for storing alternative fuels. New fueling stations and storage facilities are required.
3. Handling and storage for alternative fuels is different from traditional fuels. Skilled workers are required; therefore, special training needs to be given.
4. Regulations must be formed to ensure the distribution and usage of alternative fuels in different maritime sectors so businesses and organisations can easily invest in them.

Using alternative fuels in the containerships is a great boon for the environment and shipping companies.

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