A Study on the CO₂ Emissions Reduction Scenario for Containership based on System Dynamics

This study used System Dynamics to analyze the impact of slow steaming and the introduction of alternative fuel propulsion ships on the reduction of vessels’ CO₂ emissions. Based on the fuel consumption and operation data of container ships in 2022, one scenario for slow steaming and 12 scenarios for alternative fuel use were established to calculate CO₂ emissions and fuel costs over a 10-year period. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the effect of reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel costs caused by slow steaming was insignificant. On the other hand, when LFO and HFO, which are existing fuels, are replaced with LNG, the effect of reducing CO₂ emissions has been shown to be large, but fuel costs have also increased. In the case of propane gas, it was confirmed that both fuel cost and CO₂ reduction effect were lower than that of LNG. From a short-term perspective, slow steaming are effective in reducing emissions, but alternative fuel propulsion ships should be introduced from a long-term perspective because slow steaming are likely to increase operating time and cost. However, there are limitations due to instability in the supply and demand of alternative fuels and price fluctuations, so an institutional mechanism to compensate for them should be prepared.