ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF DIESEL FUEL IN THE SHIPPING SECTOR

Abstract

Extensive use of fossil fuels is one of the most important environmental problems nowadays since their combustion results in different emissions, which negatively affect human health and the environment. In the shipping sector, diesel fuel in internal combustion engines represents the dominant power system. Its negative impact is more pronounced for the ships that operate in the short-sea shipping sector since they spend a lot of time near populated areas and in ports. In this paper, the environmental footprint of diesel fuel use in several countries is investigated through the life-cycle assessment. The analysis involved different environmental impact categories (climate change, acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, etc.), and the results are illustrated on a ferry. It is concluded that alternative fuels represent a great alternative to diesel fuel, while e-fuels are highlighted as viable solutions for reducing life-cycle emissions.