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A Lifecycle Analysis of a Floating Power Plant Using Biomethane as a Drop-In Fuel for Cold Ironing of Vessels at Anchorage

Author

Listed:
  • George Mallouppas

    (Marine and Offshore Science, Technology and Engineering Centre, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Larnaca 6023, Cyprus)

  • Angelos Ktoris

    (Marine and Offshore Science, Technology and Engineering Centre, Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, Larnaca 6023, Cyprus)

  • Elias Ar. Yfantis

    (Department of Engineering, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus)

  • Sotiris Petrakides

    (InoMob LTD, Paphos 8028, Cyprus)

  • Marios Drousiotis

    (Petronav Ship Management Ltd, Limassol 3036, Cyprus)

Abstract

The purpose of this research article is to perform a greenhouse gas (GHG) impact assessment using a lifecycle analysis of a cold-ironing solution for vessels at anchorage in a retrofitted barge and a marine genset combusting biomethane in dual fuel mode. A lifecycle methodology is developed based on the 4th International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG study. Eleven impact scenarios are evaluated in terms of CO 2 and harmful pollutants (SO x , CO, PM 10 , PM 2.5 , NMVOC, and NO x ). Vessels operated by Petronav Ship Management Ltd are examined, specifically M/T Alexandria and M/T Astraia. The scenarios reveal CO 2 reductions of up to 21% and CO increases of up to 60% due to the combustion of biomethane in dual fuel mode, alongside SO x reductions of up to 20% with increasing biomethane energy substitution. Particulates and NO x decrease due to the utilization of biomethane. This article presents a pragmatic solution for cold ironing for vessels at anchorage with proven lower GHG emissions with the exception of increased CO emissions, therefore the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Suggested Citation

  • George Mallouppas & Angelos Ktoris & Elias Ar. Yfantis & Sotiris Petrakides & Marios Drousiotis, 2025. "A Lifecycle Analysis of a Floating Power Plant Using Biomethane as a Drop-In Fuel for Cold Ironing of Vessels at Anchorage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:253-:d:1562758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ciro Florio & Gabriella Fiorentino & Fabiana Corcelli & Sergio Ulgiati & Stefano Dumontet & Joshua Güsewell & Ludger Eltrop, 2019. "A Life Cycle Assessment of Biomethane Production from Waste Feedstock Through Different Upgrading Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-12, February.
    3. Egidijus Buivydas & Kęstutis Navickas & Kęstutis Venslauskas, 2024. "A Life Cycle Assessment of Methane Slip in Biogas Upgrading Based on Permeable Membrane Technology with Variable Methane Concentration in Raw Biogas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-18, April.
    4. George Mallouppas & Elias Ar. Yfantis & Constantina Ioannou & Andreas Paradeisiotis & Angelos Ktoris, 2023. "Application of Biogas and Biomethane as Maritime Fuels: A Review of Research, Technology Development, Innovation Proposals, and Market Potentials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-25, February.
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