An environmental and economic analysis of methanol fuel for a cellular container ship

Abstract

In this study, the use of methanol is proposed as an alternative fuel to comply with the international maritime organization (IMO) emission regulations. Environmental and economic analysis of the methanol-diesel dual fuel engine is carried out. As a case study, cellular container ship is investigated. The results show environmental benefits for reducing NO x , SO x , CO, CO 2 , and PM emissions by 76.78%, 89%, 55%, 18.13%, and 82.56%, respectively. In order to reduce the dual-fuel cost to the cost of the diesel fuel at maximum continuous rating (MCR), the ship speed should be reduced by 28%. In addition, the currently operated diesel engine uses selective catalytic reduction method (SCR) to comply with the IMO emission regulations. Combining the benefits of ship slow steaming and the saved SCR costs, the cost-effectiveness of dual-fuel engine for reducing NO x , CO, and CO 2 emissions will be 385.2 $/ton, 6548 $/ton, and 39.9 $/ton, respectively.