Emissions assessment of bulk carriers in China's east Coast-Yangtze River maritime network based on different shipping modes

In the past decades, resources such as iron ore were transported to the upper-middle reaches of the Yangtze River by river-sea combined mode in order to support the rapid economic development of Yangtze River Economic Zone. However, emissions from vessels have caused serious negative effect on the environment along the Yangtze River. Therefore, the Chinese government took a series of measures so as to control the emissions in this area. This paper draws comparisons among river-sea combined mode, river-sea mode and mixed mode (combination of the river-sea combined mode and river-sea mode) based on the ship emissions inventory of SOx , PM10, PM2.5 , NOx, CO, HC, CO2, N2O and CH4 for 13 common cases in the existing network by bottom-up method. In addition, the paper carries out in-depth analyses, providing evidence for future ship operation directions. The results indicate river-sea mode and mixed mode which implement river-sea vessels record less unit emissions compared to the traditional river-sea combined mode. Moreover, shorter transshipment (lightning) times, proper ports of transshipping and cleaner fuels are able to reduce ship emissions significantly. Hence, we conclude that first, river-sea vessels should be encouraged; second, the initiative of a deep-water channel of the Yangtze River should be continued; and last, stricter regulations of fuels have played a significant role in reducing ship emissions.

Automated summary

This paper compares the differences in ship emissions among river-sea combined mode, river-sea mode, and mixed mode. The results show that river-sea mode and mixed mode produce less emissions compared to the traditional river-sea combined mode. Additionally, shorter transshipment times, proper ports, and cleaner fuels can significantly reduce ship emissions.