RETROFIT SOLUTIONS TO ACHIEVE 55% GHG REDUCTION BY 2030

Andrew Spiteri (LJMU)
Vasilios Zagkas & Reuben D’Souza, SimFWD

This article about the RETROFIT55 project featured in the April edition of The Naval Architect Magazine – April 2024

ABSTRACT

The RETROFIT55 project aims to address the urgent need for decarbonization in the maritime industry by developing innovative retrofitting solutions and green technologies to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Focusing on ship efficiency improvements and the utilization of zero- and low-emission energy sources, the project seeks to achieve the targets set by the ZEWT partnership, which aims to reduce fuel consumption in waterborne transport by at least 55% before 2030 compared to 2008 levels.

To achieve these objectives, the project consortium explores various retrofitting solutions, including air lubrication systems (ALS), smart energy management, holistic hydrodynamic and operational optimization, wind-assisted propulsion, fuel cells, and hybridization of propulsion systems. Recognizing that no single retrofitting solution can achieve the necessary emissions reductions, the project emphasizes the intelligent combination of existing high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems and the development of additional solutions that may reach TRL 7 to 8. The project also acknowledges the interdependence of retrofitting
systems, requiring a balanced approach to maximize overall improvement while considering the impact on individual system gains.