Merchant Fleets Can Substantially Cut CO2 Output Up To 40%, Lower Fuel Consumption By Slowing Down

[hatrack]

And I bet they will!!!!

:eyes:

Merchant ships can cut their carbon emissions by as much as 30 percent over the next three years by traveling more slowly, a Brussels-based environmental group said on Wednesday. The shipping sector accounts for nearly 3 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and pressure has grown for cuts.

A study commissioned by Seas at Risk found that by slow steaming, vessels can reduce their fuel consumption and cut CO2. The study, conducted by Dutch consultancy group CE Delft, showed current oversupply in the shipping industry provided opportunities for ships to slow down. "From 2010 through 2012, emission reductions in the order of 30 percent are maximally achievable without the need for retrofitting slow-steaming equipment," the study said.

Seas at Risk said the study evaluated tankers, container ships and bulk carriers. "The emission reductions are most pronounced in the case of bulk carriers circa 40 percent," it said. Seas at Risk said the sector has had to deal with oversupply and a global economic downturn, which has hit shipping hard.

"There are several ways in which the industry can deal with the oversupply of ships. One is to decrease the amount of cargo carried per ship, another is to idle ships, and a third is to sail at lower speeds," it said.

EDIT

http://planetark.org/enviro-news/item/57294

[madokie]

1. We need to quit buying chinese made shit

problem solved, well maybe not solved but there would definitely be a lot less ships on the seas.

[Merchant Marine]

2. Most companies are slow-steaming nowadays

The shipping industry had always been interested in greater fuel efficiency for their ships, because even a small percentage savings equals many thousands of dollars in bunker fuel costs. Modern bottom coatings and new engine designs are doing alot to improve the efficiency of shipping.

However when you compare tons moved/gallons burned, shipping is still the most efficient form of transport in the world, followed by train, truck and plane in that order.