An innovative tool for the evaluation of energy efficiency of merchant ships

The maritime sector, while recognized as the most efficient mode of freight transportation, confronts significant challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. These challenges are intensified by the ageing fleet of merchant ships, which often lack the latest technologies intended to minimize atmospheric pollution. This paper aims to introduce an innovative tool designed to evaluate the energy efficiency of merchant ships and monitor their emissions, particularly concerning CO2 and its relation with the Carbon Intensity Indicator. The tool consolidates essential data into a centralized database to facilitate continuous monitoring of ship efficiency, taking into account both internal and external factors. In particular, it enables the collection and analysis of data for small/medium shipping companies, which typically lack the resources to allocate towards complex, tailored IT solutions for managing their fleet. Key features for this tool include the availability of accurate operational data and adherence to current emissions regulations. However, the applicability of the tool may be constrained by variations in ship types, operational conditions, and the availability of real-time data. The application of the tool to a case study of a tanker ship, designed to validate its functionality, demonstrates that the tool can effectively generate extensive data, which can be used to identify correlations between specific ship factors and GHG emissions. These findings offer a more accessible and self-explanatory approach to evaluating ship performance and efficiency, presenting a practical framework for compliance with evolving climate regulations and identifying the technical solutions to be implemented onboard for improvement.