In a significant stride towards decarbonizing the inland shipping sector, researchers from Delft University of Technology have developed a novel approach to evaluate and reduce shipping emissions. Led by Solange van der Werff from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, the study, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, introduces an “event table” scheme that transforms big data on vessel trajectories into actionable insights for policymakers.
The maritime sector is under immense pressure to reduce emissions, with ambitious targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal. Inland shipping, often seen as a greener alternative to road transport, is no exception. The Dutch inland shipping sector, for instance, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. However, designing effective policies to meet these targets is a complex task, given the diversity of vessels, routes, and local conditions.
Van der Werff and her team tackle this complexity head-on. Their event table scheme integrates data from multiple sources, including Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, to provide a comprehensive, multi-perspective view of the shipping system. This approach allows policymakers to tie large-scale emission patterns to specific vessel behaviors, environmental conditions, and local infrastructure.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? Well, it’s a game-changer. For one, it enables data-driven decision-making, moving away from reliance on expert opinions alone. As Van der Werff puts it, “We shed light on the root causes of inland shipping emissions, enabling data-driven or data-supported decision-making.” This means more targeted, effective emission-reduction measures.
Take fleet electrification, for example. With the event table scheme, policymakers can design strategies that consider the unique operational profiles of vessels, the infrastructure they use, and the environmental conditions they encounter. This could lead to more efficient use of resources and faster progress towards decarbonization goals.
The scheme also facilitates the identification of ‘gross’ polluters, vessels that contribute disproportionately to emissions. By targeting these vessels, policymakers can achieve significant emission reductions with minimal disruption to the overall system.
Moreover, the approach can help optimize vessel routing and speed, further reducing emissions. For instance, the study found that moderate current speeds can increase CO2 emissions of upstream vessels by a factor of 1.75 compared to downstream vessels. This insight could inform routing decisions, helping vessels avoid high-emission conditions.
The commercial opportunities are vast. Shipping companies could use this approach to optimize their operations, reducing fuel costs and emissions. Port authorities could design infrastructure that minimizes emissions, attracting more environmentally conscious shipping lines. And technology providers could develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the inland shipping sector.
The event table scheme, as published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, is a significant step forward in the quest to decarbonize the inland shipping sector. It provides a powerful tool for policymakers, shipping companies, and technology providers alike, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable maritime industry. As Van der Werff and her team have shown, the future of inland shipping is data-driven, and it’s looking bright.