Advanced Emissions Profiling of Canadian Icebreaker Vessels: Bridging Calculations, Validating Empirical Data, and Exploring Decarbonization Strategies

Accurate emissions monitoring of icebreaking vessels is necessary for evaluating compliance with maritime sustainability goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Traditional Tank-to-Wake (T2W) estimation methods rely on fuel consumption and fixed emission factors but often fail to reflect real-time variations caused by changing engine loads and operational profiles. This study introduces an empirical correction methodology to enhance T2W estimates using correction factors derived from onboard exhaust gas measurements. Data were collected using a portable Testo 350 analyzer aboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir Wilfrid Laurier, measuring emissions during selected operational instances. Correction functions for carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) were developed based on engine load and validated using stratified cross-validation. The corrected estimates demonstrated significantly improved alignment with measured values, especially under dynamic operating conditions such as cruising and maneuvering along with hotelling. This approach provides a practical and scalable pathway for improving emissions accuracy on vessels lacking continuous monitoring systems, supporting better alignment with regulatory reporting and decarbonization goals.