LECTURE: Decarbonising Shipping: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The IMO have set a target to reduce greenhouse gases from shipping by 50% by the year 2050 or sooner. This is from a baseline of 2008. This talk covers the three basic approaches by the IMO, these being improved efficiencies in ship design and operation, low or zero carbon fuels, and scrubbing of exhaust emissions.
There has been much speculation regarding low and zero carbon fuels. This presentation defines the nature and size of the problem, going on to show the required improvements to ship design and operational efficiencies, measured in grams of carbon per ton mile, in the three stages defined by the IMO. Dr Allen outlines the benefits and the major challenges associated with methanol and ammonia as alternative fuels. The final part of the talk explores the potential role exhaust scrubbing - of all types of exhaust gases - has in contributing to overall emissions.
About the Speaker
Dr Robert Allen has over 35 years of experience in the marine industry, with years spent in the Royal Navy and private sector. After serving an apprenticeship and working as a design engineer, Bob Allen served in the Royal Navy for 21 years with a final rank of Commander. On leaving the Navy he joined Castrol Marine for 13 years as Technical Manager.
He then took up an academic career at Plymouth University as a lecturer and researcher. Now recently retired from lecturing, he is still involved in one research project. Bob has been active in the Devon & Cornwall Joint Branch, holding the posts of Treasurer and twice as Branch Chair.
