Ship emissions reduction using weather ship routing optimisation

A significant proportion of global carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to ocean-sailing ships and shipping predicted double in less than 30 years. This paper investigates the benefit using weather ship routing optimisation, assessing for minimum distance routes optimised routes. The present contribution merges estimation pollutants their mitigation through optimisation; two lines research widely analysed separately but seldom discussed together. previously developed open software is used obtain cost (i.e. route) terms sailing time, high-resolution wave forecasting. assessment fuel consumption calculations were inspired by STEAM2 bottom-up approach, conjunction with power increase needed overcome speed decrement due waves. Several scenarios covering Western Mediterranean Short Sea Shipping (from 24 600 nautical miles a real Ro-Pax vessel) compared between route optimum. optimisation reveals reduction up 30% during severe storms on longer Nevertheless, all cases studied show when used. expected extreme events, frequency, intensity duration climate change, suggests gradual gain implementing types routes, regardless distance.