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

George Mallouppas (), Angelos Ktoris, Elias Ar. Yfantis, Sotiris Petrakides and Marios Drousiotis
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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

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-20

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.

Keywords: cold ironing; biogas upgrading; biomethane; lifecycle analysis; dual-fuel ICE combustion; decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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