Controlling Engine Load Distribution in LNG Ship Propulsion Systems to Optimize Gas Emissions and Fuel Consumption

Siniša Martinić-Cezar (), Zdeslav Jurić, Nur Assani and Nikola Račić
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Siniša Martinić-Cezar: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Zdeslav Jurić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Nur Assani: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
Nikola Račić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-22

Abstract: The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and stricter gas emissions regulations has made the optimization of fuel and emissions a crucial factor for marine propulsion systems. This paper investigates the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions of LNG ship propulsion systems by using different load sharing strategies in Dual-Fuel Diesel-Electric (DFDE) propulsion systems. Using data collected from on-board cyclic measurements and an optimization model, the effects of different load sharing strategies for various types of fuel, such as HFO, MDO, and LNG, under different engine load conditions were investigated. The results of these strategies are compared with those of on-board power management systems (PMS), which evenly allocate power among the engines, irrespective of fuel usage and emission levels. The results show that load adjustments according to the optimization model can considerably increase fuel economy and contribute to the reduction of CO 2 and NO x compared to standard practice at the equal load in different ship operating modes. Our approach introduces an innovative optimization concept that has been proven to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions beyond standard practices. This paper demonstrates the robustness of the model in balancing environmental and operational objectives and presents an effective approach for more sustainable and efficient ship operations. The results are in line with global sustainability efforts and provide valuable insights for future innovations in energy optimization and ship emission control.

Keywords: emissions optimization; LNG ship propulsion; Dual-Fuel Diesel-Electric (DFDE); real measurements; fuel economy; load distribution (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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