Slow ships of tomorrow to cut emissions The maritime industry is dedicated to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. An EU initiative developed novel designs for slow tankers and cargo carriers with complementary wind propulsion systems that should significantly lower emissions. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock CO2 emissions and their effects on global climate change are a key EU concern shared by the maritime industry. With this in mind, the EU-funded project 'Ultra slow ships' (ULYSSES) set out to decrease greenhouse gas emissions through speed reduction and complementary technologies. The project focused on bulk carriers and tankers that produce about 60 % of CO2 associated with ocean-going vessels. Through increased efficiency, ULYSSES aimed to implement target speeds to reach an 80 % reduction by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Investigators defined the requirements for ultra-slow ships, including technical, economic, safety and environmental factors. New propulsion and engine performance monitoring systems were designed to check propulsion operation and environmental loads during slow steaming situations. Propeller efficiencies demonstrate clear potential for improvement and a design tool facilitated the calculation of engine power based on speed requirements. This facilitated calculation of the main dimensions for tankers and bulk carriers based on load requirements and of engine power based on speed requirements. Scientists developed models of kite and suction sail propulsion, enabling them to predict power and ship behaviour using auxiliary wind propulsion systems. In addition, they developed simulations to optimise weather routing and thus take best advantage of the wind by utilising propulsors. The structural design of the ships' wind propulsors was also completed. Software tools to design advanced engine models were validated. Project members investigated the long-term impact of significantly slow speeds on auxiliary ship systems and compiled a list of all such systems. They carried out an analysis of power systems and potential alternative technologies in the design of new ultra-slow ships. Additional models were used to optimise engine performance and manoeuvring properties at slow speed and with wind propulsion. ULYSSES introduced innovative solutions that will reduce emissions from international shipping. The environmentally friendly ships of the future should boost the efficiency of the world fleet. Keywords Ships, emissions, tankers, cargo carriers, wind propulsion
