On 3rd July 2023, the University of Strathclyde and the Korean Register, two esteemed institutions renowned for their expertise in maritime sector have delivered a joint and highly impactful presentation on “Lifecycle GHG emissions of Marine fossil fuels: A case study of South Korea” at the 80th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC 80th) in London, during a slot sponsored by the Republic of Korea.
The presentation was delivered by Mr Seungman Ha, a PhD student of the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME) and a surveyor in Korean Register, in support of his supervisor, Dr Byongug Jeong, Senior Lecturer.
The research clearly demonstrated that fossil-based fuels play a limited role in decarbonizing international shipping in terms of lifecycle emissions. Mr. Ha emphasized the importance of considering regional differences, such as the distance from the importing country, when evaluating GHG emissions of marine fuel for nations heavily reliant on energy imports through maritime transport. The findings shed light on the potential of decarbonizing international shipping to minimize the impact of regional differences in terms of lifecycle emissions of marine fuels.
Dr. Jeong expressed his satisfaction with the successful presentation and remarked, "The University of Strathclyde and the Korean Register's collaboration showcases the power of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in driving positive change in the maritime industry. This synergy of expertise will undoubtedly shape the future of maritime innovation for the better."
During the MEPC 80th session, the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships was adopted with an enhanced common ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050. The event received considerable attention from governmental delegates, industry experts, maritime professionals, and stakeholders, further enhancing the global reputation of both institutions as leaders in maritime innovation and research.
The presentation was documented and published in IMO Information Document (MEPC 80/INF.29). For more in-depth information, interested readers can find the key details on the presentation in the recent journal publication titled “A framework for determining the life cycle GHG emissions of fossil marine fuels in countries reliant on imported energy through maritime transportation: A case study of South Korea” linked via: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165366
Other contributing authors include Dr. Hayoung Jang and Dr. Chybyung Park, who work as Research Associates in the department.
