A comparative study of life cycle assessment of a Panamax bulk carrier in consideration of lightship weight

摘要

This study utilizes the life cycle assessment method to compare the environmental impacts of two design concepts of a Panamax bulk carrier: lighter and heavier lightship weights. The lighter solution is designed to maximize the payload by cutting down the lightship weight. On the other hand, the heavier solution increases the thickness of some components of the ship to enlarge corrosion addition margins. This also increases the lightship weight in comparison with the lighter solution. In addition, the heavier solution could cut down the steel replacement consumed for maintenance activities in its life cycle. Regarding the requirements for global shipping transportation and for the ships operating in sulfur emission control areas presented in the International Prevention of Pollution from Ships, heavy fuel oil and low sulfur heavy fuel oil are considered. The results indicate that the heavier solution could reduce up to 4.83% carbon monoxide, 2.62% methane, and 56.64% volatile organic compounds in comparison with the lighter solution over their lifetimes. The heavier solution reduces the environmental impacts on Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity, Ozone Layer Depletion, and Terrestric Ecotoxicity. Due to lower environmental score, the heavier hull bulk carrier with greater corrosion margins is more beneficial to the environment.