Last modified: 2015-03-31
Abstract
The consciousness on environmental issue, the stricter emission requirements and the variation of fuel prices are pushing owners to consider alternative to conventional oil fuel.
In Northern Europe, where air emission regulations are already effective, a large amount of gas fuelled ships have been delivered over the last decade and in the same time, some ships have also been refitted, considering that Marpol regulations apply for both new and existing ships.
Taking into account the expected enlargement of emission control areas, the social pressure for environmental preservation and the perspective of large amount of methane availability, a panoramic review on main green energy source will be presented and the reasons of LNG choice will be draft.
An investigation on main regulation of IMO draft at moment available will be carried out, considering also that actually gas fuelled ships have been designed and delivered taking into account rules and guidelines of the main Classification Societies, IGC code and on the basis of deregulation.
Finally, case studies will be presented showing results obtained for both ferry and passenger ships, using respectively pure gas and dual fuel engine types. Particular attention will be addressed to LNG tank location, being one of the major impact design factor concerning safety, range and ship stability.