Original scientific paper
Impact of Sailing Speed on a Container Ship’s Fuel Consumption and Emissions Under Different Weather Conditions
Vladimir Pelić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
*
Tomislav Mrakovčić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Rijeka, Croatia
Josip Dujmović
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Jan Pelić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Rijeka, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Approximately 80% of goods in global trade are transported by sea. In most cases, maritime transport
is the most suitable form of transport according to economic criteria. Increasing efficiency and reducing
negative environmental impact are particularly important for the sustainability of modern maritime
transport. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) issues regulations aimed at improving energy
efficiency and reducing emissions from ship propulsion systems. Requirements related to the energy
efficiency of new ships are evaluated using the EEDI, while the EEXI index is applied to existing
ships. Reducing ship speed can significantly decrease fuel consumption per mile travelled and lower
emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, all without additional investment.
Since this effect is especially pronounced for faster ships, this study analyses the impact of sailing at
reduced speed using a container ship with a capacity of 4,200 TEU as an example. The research used
the Kongsberg Maritime ERS Sulzer RTA84C simulator. Data from the engine manufacturer Sulzer
were used to validate the model for fuel consumption. The analysis was conducted for several different
sailing speeds under various weather conditions. The results show that by reducing sailing speed,
significant savings in fuel consumption and emissions from existing container ships can be achieved.
Keywords
energy efficiency, reduction of emissions, reduction of sailing speed
Hrčak ID:
347250
URI
Publication date:
19.5.2026.
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