Dynamic model for the economical evaluation of different technical solutions for reducing naval emissions

The new regulations for the prevention of marine pollution are compelling the shipping industry to a change of strategy. This research provides an economical analysis of the short term alternative options for ship owners: to fit exhaust gas cleaning system on board using heavy fuel oil; to burn marine gas oil or to switch from heavy fuel oil to low sulphur fuel entering emissions controlled areas. An economic evaluation model of investments has been developed in order to compare the different solutions. Based on technical data of engines and operative vessel profiles, the model provides possible measurement tools to consider for the investment choice in the defined reference scenario. Different scenarios can be created by modifying investment conditions, environmental regulations and fuel price forecasts. The results of the model application to three real vessels of different types encourage the ship owners to adopt the option of the seawater scrubber.