Strategies for enhancing the energy efficiency of ships within the framework of global decarbonization

Abstract

The relevance of improving energy efficiency in seagoing vessels is growing due to global decarbonization, stricter environmental standards, and increasing demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of innovative strategies for improving ship energy efficiency, taking into account current decarbonization trends, as well as to evaluate their impact on the environmental and economic performance of maritime transport. A range of methods, including statistical analysis, empirical approaches, and experimental techniques, was used to study the impact of new technologies. A comparative analysis of three fuel types – diesel, biofuel Romashka-3, and LNG – focused on consumption, emissions, and voyage costs. The results show that biofuel reduces CO₂ emissions by 19% and voyage costs by 6%. LNG provides the greatest emission reductions – CO₂ by 20%, NO_x by 49%, and SO_x by 95% – though it increases voyage costs by 6%. Diesel, with the highest emissions and a cost of USD 33.7 thousand, is the most environmentally harmful. The findings suggest that the optimal strategy involves a gradual transition to alternative fuels and digital solutions to improve energy efficiency without
major economic trade-offs. This research offers practical value by helping shipping companies, fleet operators, policymakers, and regulators improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support fleet modernization and sustainable transport policies.