Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sustainability Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 17 August 2026 | Viewed by 14757

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zunhua Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Interests: marine engine; low/zero carbon fuels combustion; hybrid power system; green shipping; chemical reaction flow and heat and mass transfer; catalyst preparation and hydrogen production through reforming; energy storage and conversion and utilization

Prof. Dr. Qian Xiong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Power and Energy Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
Interests: mechanism of combustion and pollutant generation in zero carbon/low carbon fuel ship power system; development of phenomenological high pressure gas jet and combustion model; optical diagnosis of fuel spray; combustion and pollutant generation process of marine engine

Dr. Dongsheng Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
Interests: combustion; hydrogen/ammonia; alernative fuels; chemical reaction kinetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Sustainability is dedicated to advancing the understanding of Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy, bridging the gap between conventional and green energy technologies while exploring future directions and industry insights. Bringing together a collection of cutting-edge research papers, this Special Issue provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in clean energy technologies that are shaping the future of global shipping, energy production and consumption.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the multidisciplinary aspects of contemporary energy research, focusing on green shipping, the integration of marine low/zero carbon power solutions, energy storage and new power system. It explores the development of clean and renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and bioenergy, as well as systems utilizing renewable fuels like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. The issue features comprehensive literature reviews and research studies that evaluate the progress, challenges, and opportunities within new power systems, emphasizing their potential and limitations in fostering a more sustainable energy landscape. Technological advancements are a central theme, with contributions addressing emerging trends in energy storage technology, energy management strategies, and smart grids. Additionally, the role of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and data-driven technologies in enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing emissions is thoroughly examined.

The Special Issue includes perspectives from industry experts, providing a practical view on the implementation of these innovations in real-world scenarios and the feedback mechanisms that are fostering ongoing enhancements.

In summary, this Special Issue serves as a platform for researchers, engineers and industry stakeholders to share knowledge, examine recent advancements and explore the future shipping and new energy systems, with the ultimate goal of promoting a transition to green, cleaner energy and power system to support the future green development.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Zunhua Zhang
Prof. Dr. Qian Xiong
Dr. Dongsheng Dong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

green shipping
marine low/zero carbon power
clean and renewable energy
energy storage technology
new power system
energy management strategy

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

33 pages, 3627 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Assessment of Ship Emissions at Ambarlı Port, Turkey: A Bottom-Up AIS-Based Inventory and Sustainable Mitigation Pathway Analysis

by Vahit Çalışır

Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073358 - 31 Mar 2026

Viewed by 540

Abstract

Achieving sustainable maritime transport requires comprehensive understanding of port-related emissions and evidence-based mitigation strategies. Maritime shipping significantly contributes to air pollution in port cities, threatening environmental sustainability and public health, yet comprehensive emission inventories remain scarce for major ports in developing economies. This study presents the first bottom-up emission inventory for Ambarlı Port, Turkey’s largest container port, utilizing AIS data from Global Fishing Watch for calendar year 2025. Emissions of CO₂, NO_x, SO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, CO, and NMVOC were quantified using EMEP/EEA activity-based methodology with IMO Tier II emission factors and vessel type-specific load factors (75% for passenger, 45% for cargo) from ENTEC guidelines. Non-commercial vessels (tugs, service craft, fishing vessels) and lay-up vessels exceeding six months continuous berthing were excluded to focus on active commercial shipping operations, resulting in a validated dataset of 10,267 port visits from commercial cargo, passenger, and bunker vessels. Annual emissions from active commercial vessels totaled 404,766 tonnes CO₂, 8487 tonnes NO_x, 6724 tonnes SO₂, 914 tonnes PM₁₀, and 849 tonnes PM_2.5. Passenger vessels dominated the inventory (93.3% of CO₂) due to high auxiliary power demands for hotel services and elevated load factors, while cargo vessels contributed 6.5% despite representing 61.4% of port visits. Turkish-flagged vessels accounted for the majority of domestic ferry traffic. These findings provide baseline data for air quality management in the Istanbul metropolitan area and support policy development regarding shore power implementation, with particular emphasis on reducing emissions from passenger vessels with extended berth times. From a policy perspective, prioritized shore power investment at passenger ferry terminals emerges as the most cost-effective emission reduction strategy, with potential to eliminate over 90% of port-related air pollutant emissions through public-private partnership models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

42 pages, 2135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Crew Onboard Ships Be Incentivised to Go Green? Understanding the Role of Incentives in Nudging Behaviour for Improving Operational Energy Efficiency

by Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, Poorvi Iyer and Fatemeh Habibi Nameghi

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031526 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 477

Abstract

This paper examines the measures available to improve operational energy efficiency from the perspective of onboard crew, the barriers associated with implementing those measures and how crew behaviour can be nudged using incentives. A total of 25 semi-structured interviews and subsequent surveys with 42 onboard crew were carried out to gather qualitative information on two main domains: operational efficiency and incentive schemes. In-depth thematic analysis of interviews showed the central and recurring themes such as stakeholder hierarchy, autonomy and accountability, temporal restrictions, profitability and type of charter. Due to the heterogeneity in interview responses on the topic of incentives, online surveys were conducted. The findings of the study show that whilst speed reduction was seen as the single most important measure to optimise, it was also the most difficult to implement in practice due to several barriers. These include contractual obligations, a complex web of accountability and perverse incentives to increase speed. Other measures such as trim–draft optimisation and auxiliary engine load optimisation have smaller efficiency gains but were found to have more potential for increasing implementation through behavioural changes and encouraged through incentives. Both monetary and non-monetary incentives were perceived to be important and going beyond the status quo of incentivising captains so that rewards are shared equitably amongst the crew. Whilst not generalisable, preliminary findings suggest that there is room to consider alternatives to the current approaches on incentives, which do not take advantage of the importance of acknowledgment and recognition, as well as fostering positive interpersonal relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 14158 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combustion, Emission, and Knock Characteristics in a Hydrogen-Doped Premixed Ammonia Spark-Ignition Heavy-Duty Engine

by Qian Xiong, Kai Han, Xinru Shi, Dezhi Liang, Juntao Li and Xuan Hou

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010042 - 19 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 521

Abstract

As sustainable green fuels for heavy-duty engines, using hydrogen doping with ammonia helps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the background of hydrogen production from ammonia reforming, the combustion and emission characteristics of hydrogen-doped ammonia engines are studied. By employing 3D-CFD numerical simulation, this study systematically explores the combined effects of the ignition timing, hydrogen energy ratio (HER), and equivalence ratio (Φ) on the premixed combustion and emission performances of ammonia–hydrogen blends. The findings indicate that at the operating conditions of HER = 4% and Φ = 1.0, the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) reaches its maximum at −40 °CA aTDC, with the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) reaching 48.2%. However, to mitigate knock hazards, the ignition timing should be adjusted to −37.5 °CA aTDC. With HER increasing from 4% to 25%, the flame propagation velocity is markedly improved, and the combustion duration is notably reduced. As the equivalence ratio rises from 0.8 to 1.0, the combustion intensity is strengthened while the proportion of indicated work declines. Notably, the lean burn condition (Φ = 0.8) exhibits no knock risk and achieves the highest ITE (49.2%). In terms of emission characteristics, advanced ignition timing, higher HER, and lower equivalence ratio all promote NO_X formation. In contrast, N₂O emissions decrease as the combustion temperature rises and the combustion duration shortens. Unburned NH₃ is mainly distributed in the low-temperature areas inside the cylinder, and its emission amount decreases with the improvement of combustion completeness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 19539 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Circumferential and Interaction Angles of Hydrogen Jets and Diesel Sprays on Combustion Characteristics in a Hydrogen–Diesel Dual-Fuel CI Engine

by Qiang Zhang, Zhipeng Li, Yang Xu and Xiangrong Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136059 - 2 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1092

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of circumferential angle (φ) and interaction angle (θ) between hydrogen jets and diesel sprays in a co-axial hydrogen–diesel injector on combustion and emissions in a hydrogen–diesel dual-fuel engine using 3D CFD simulations. The results demonstrate that a co-axial dual-layer nozzle design significantly enhances combustion performance by leveraging hydrogen jet kinetic energy to accelerate fuel–air mixing. Specifically, a co-axial alignment (φ = 0°) between hydrogen and diesel sprays achieves optimal combustion characteristics, including the highest in-cylinder pressure (20.92 MPa), the earliest ignition timing (−0.3° CA ATDC), and the maximum indicated power of the high-pressure cycle (47.26 kW). However, this configuration also results in elevated emissions, with 29.6% higher NOx and 34.5% higher soot levels compared to a φ = 15° arrangement. To balance efficiency and emissions, an interaction angle of θ = 7.5° proves most effective, further improving combustion efficiency and increasing indicated power to 47.69 kW while reducing residual fuel mass. For applications prioritizing power output, the φ = 0° and θ = 7.5° configuration is recommended, whereas a φ = 15° alignment with a moderate θ (5–7.5°) offers a viable compromise, maintaining over 90% of peak power while substantially lowering NOx and soot emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4562 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Shipping: Modeling Economic and Greenhouse Gas Impacts of Decarbonization Policies (Part II)

by Paula Carvalho Pereda, Andrea Lucchesi, Thais Diniz Oliveira, Rayan Wolf, Crístofer Hood Marques, Luiz Felipe Assis and Jean-David Caprace

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093765 - 22 Apr 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2873

Abstract

Maritime transport carries over 80% of global trade by volume and remains the most energy-efficient mode for long-distance goods movement. However, the sector contributes approximately 3% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, a share that could rise to 17% by 2050 without effective regulation. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced initial and short-term measures to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions. In 2023, IMO Strategy expanded on these efforts with medium-term measures, including Market-Based Mechanisms (MBMs) such as a GHG levy, a feebate system, and fuel intensity regulations combined with carbon pricing. This study evaluates the economic and environmental impacts of these measures using an integrated computational simulation model that combines Ocean Engineering and Economics. Our results indicate that all proposed measures support the IMO’s intermediate emission reduction targets through 2035, cutting absolute emissions by more than 50%. However, economic impacts vary significantly across regions, with most of Africa, Asia, and South America experiencing the greatest adverse effects on GDP and trade. Among the measures, the GHG levy exerts the strongest pressure on economic activity and food prices, while a revised fuel intensity mechanism imposes lower costs, particularly in the short term. Revenue redistribution mitigates GDP losses but does so unevenly across regions. By leveraging a general equilibrium model (GTAP) to capture indirect effects often overlooked in prior studies, this analysis provides a comprehensive comparison of policy impacts. The findings underscore the need for equitable and pragmatic decarbonization strategies in the maritime sector, contributing to ongoing IMO policy discussions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

55 pages, 29982 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Shipping: Modeling Technological Pathways Toward Net-Zero Emissions in Maritime Transport (Part I)

by Jean-David Caprace, Crístofer Hood Marques, Luiz Felipe Assis, Andrea Lucchesi and Paula Carvalho Pereda

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083733 - 21 Apr 2025

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6717

Abstract

Maritime transport accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a figure projected to rise by 17% by 2050 without effective mitigation measures. Achieving zero-emission shipping requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates regulatory frameworks, alternative fuels, and energy-saving technologies. However, existing studies often fail to provide an integrated analysis of regulatory constraints, economic incentives, and technological feasibility. This study bridges this gap by developing an integrated model tailored for international maritime transport, incorporating regulatory constraints, economic incentives, and technological feasibility into a unified framework. The model is developed using a predictive approach to assess decarbonization pathways for global shipping from 2018 to 2035. A multi-criterion decision analysis (MCDA) framework, coupled with techno-economic modeling, evaluates the cost-effectiveness, technology readiness, and adoption potential of alternative fuels, operational strategies, and market-based measures. The results indicate that technical and operational measures alone can reduce emissions by up to 44%, while market-based measures improve the diversity of sustainable fuel adoption. Biofuels, particularly BISVO and BIFAME, emerge as preferred alternatives due to cost-effectiveness, while green hydrogen, ammonia, and biomethanol remain unviable without additional policy support. A strict carbon levy increases transport costs by 46%, whereas flexible compliance mechanisms limit cost increases to 14–25%. The proposed approach provides a robust decision-support framework for policymakers and industry stakeholders, ensuring transparency in evaluating the trade-offs between emissions reductions and economic feasibility, thereby guiding future regulatory strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on the Mechanism of Stoichiometric Combustion Knock in Marine Natural Gas Low-Carbon Engines in Rapid Compression Machine Combustion Chambers

by Qiang Zhang, Xiangrong Li, Zhipeng Li, Yang Xu, Guohao Zhao and Baofeng Yao

Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073274 - 7 Apr 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1105

Abstract

The vigorous development of marine engines fueled by natural gas can effectively support the reform of energy structures in the field of ship power, aligning with the global trend toward sustainable development and green shipping. However, the presence of knock significantly hinders the improvement of engine thermal efficiency. Therefore, studying the knock mechanism in natural gas engines is not only crucial for enhancing engine power and economy but also for advancing the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in the maritime industry. In this paper, via a 2D numerical model, the dominant role in the knock mechanism of stoichiometric methane combustion in a combustion chamber of a rapid compression machine (RCM) is revealed. It further establishes the association mechanism between constant-volume combustion and pressure wave suppression at high temperatures. The results show that the knock is caused by the end-gas auto-ignition. The increase in initial temperature can significantly change auto-ignition modes and combustion modes, but initial pressure has little effect on this. The increase in initial temperature will inhibit the strength of pressure waves, and the increase in initial pressure cannot significantly increase the strength of pressure waves. The main cause why auto-ignition occurs earlier is not due to the increase in the strength of pressure waves, but the decrease in the required increase in temperature to attain ignition temperature caused by the increase in initial temperature. The peak pressure is affected by the initial pressure on the left wall before auto-ignition and the increase in pressure on the left wall at low to medium initial temperature. The pressure oscillation amplitude is positively correlated to the increase in pressure on the left wall. Constant volume combustion will occur at a high initial temperature. The increase and decrease in pressure are very uniform which will lead to the decrease in the pressure oscillation amplitude. The peak pressure depends on the influence of initial temperature and pressure on the increase in pressure produced by constant volume combustion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

1 pages, 128 KB

Open AccessRetraction

WITHDRAWN: Çalışır, V. Seismic Disruption and Maritime Carbon Emissions for Sustainability in Maritime Transportation: A Natural Experiment from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Sustainability 2026, 18, 2640

by Vahit Çalışır

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2640; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052640 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 594

Abstract

This article has been withdrawn by the Editorial Office, with the agreement of the authors and the Editor-in-Chief, due to an error during the production process that resulted in duplicate publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy)

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Displaying articles 1-8

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Green Shipping and Operational Strategies of Clean Energy

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI