In a significant stride towards understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of dredging projects, a team of researchers led by Siming Liang from the School of Civil and Transportation Engineering at Guangdong University of Technology has developed a model to calculate carbon emissions during the construction period of such projects. The study, published in the journal ‘Buildings’ (translated to English), establishes carbon emission quotas for various types of dredgers and auxiliary vessels under different construction conditions and soil types, as well as power consumption quotas for management activities.
The research team took a practical approach, verifying their model through three case studies: the cross-river channel project from Shenzhen to Zhongshan (S09), the Thilafushi Island reclamation project in Malé, and the second phase of the southern section of the Guangzhou Port Area channel maintenance project. The findings revealed that carbon emissions vary significantly based on the type of dredger, soil quality, and working conditions. As Liang puts it, “Under the same dredging soil quality and the same working condition level, the carbon emissions of different types of dredgers are different. Conversely, under different dredging soil qualities and different working condition levels, the carbon emissions for the same dredger or auxiliary vessel are different.”
The study also highlighted that larger vessels generally have higher carbon emissions, with direct emissions accounting for a substantial 97% of the total, and indirect emissions from equipment deployment and management activities making up the remaining 3%. Notably, electricity consumption in management activities contributes a mere 0.3% to the overall carbon footprint.
For maritime professionals, this research presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it underscores the urgent need for the industry to address its significant carbon footprint. On the other hand, it provides a valuable tool for quantifying emissions, which can guide efforts to improve efficiency and adopt greener technologies. As the global push for sustainability intensifies, companies that proactively reduce their environmental impact stand to gain a competitive edge.
Moreover, the study’s findings could inform policy decisions and regulatory frameworks, potentially opening up new avenues for innovation and investment in low-carbon dredging technologies. As Liang notes, “The carbon emissions of dredging projects are huge,” but with the right strategies and tools, the industry can make significant strides towards sustainability.
In essence, this research serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for the maritime sector, highlighting the pressing need for action and providing a clear path forward. By embracing these insights, the industry can navigate the challenges of decarbonization and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.