Investigation of the adverse effects of slow steaming operations for ships

Abstract

The typical negative effects of prolonged slow steaming operations are investigated in this study. The scope of the research is to examine the effects of the carbon deposit formation on piston rings (lack of sealing function), exhaust boiler (reduction in the heat recovery capacity), turbocharger (lack of scavenging capacity), and injector, due to the prolonged slow steaming operation. It is necessary to identify the holistic adverse effects of the low-load operation on the main engine performance and subsequent components. The study shows that the negative consequences of a long-term slow steaming operation cause noteworthy efficiency degradation in marine diesel engines. The paper aims to clarify the barriers to the efficient operation of marine diesel engines via raising awareness of proper and planned maintenance for sustainable slow steaming. The degradation rates affect the total operational efficiency, CO2 emissions, and fuel consumption. The study results show that the fuel consumption increases by 1.9%, 2.1%, and 1.9% of daily consumption and the corresponding CO2 emission increments are 4.36, 4.29, and 3.48 kg CO2 per nautical mile sailing of the container ship at specified speeds at 65%, 55%, and 45% engine loads, respectively. The efficiency variation leads significant amount of emission increment, while up to 50% decrement will enter into force by April 2022 for container ships. The study gives valuable insight into the increase in CO2 emissions and fuel after long-term slow steaming for the near future with the stricter emission limits. The results provide considerable information about the deterioration effect on the whole energy system and help to estimate potential efficiency levels for marine diesel engines.

Slow steaming application for short-sea shipping to comply with the CII regulation

“…Therefore, slow steaming negatively affects engine performance. In a previous study, it was stated that during the long-term slow steaming application in ships, soot accumulation and fouling on the cylinder elements, turbocharger, and funnel would affect the engine performance [35]. In order to prevent the engine performance from being adversely affected, it has been recommended that routine checks should be carried out at shorter intervals than normal, especially parts such as piston ring, turbocharger, exhaust lines, and funnel should be inspected more frequently.…”

Transition towards carbon neutrality: A structured review on current policies and measures in international shipping

“…-Advantage and disadvantage: Since speed is a cubic function of power and fuel consumption, slow sailing can reduce fuel consumption [15], but long-term slow sailing can form carbon deposits to affect diesel engine efficiency and increase CO2 emissions [50]. Slow sailing can increase voyage time and reduce vessel transport workload, resulting in lost revenue [51]; it also has the potential to lead to an expansion of the world fleet and increased competition; and is less likely to promote technological innovations that reduce emissions [7].…”

A Techno-Environmental and Energy Efficiency Investigation of Marine Dual-Fuel Engines

“…Moreover, the formation of carbon deposits due to the lack of sealing can increase and the steam production capacity from economizer can decrease at light loads for two-stroke engines (Dere et al, 2022). Fuel consumption also substantially increases at higher loads based on more power demand.…”