Systematic evaluation approach for carbon reduction method assessment - A life cycle assessment case study on carbon solidification method

MEPC 70 foresees a greenhouse gas reduction strategy will be in force in 2018. Researchers are striving to investigate different GHG reduction technologies to determine their feasibility in the aspect of both environment and economy. However, the evaluations are not specific or comprehensive so this paper presents a systematic evaluation approach to guide policy makers to evaluate the performances and to help ship owners to select suitable reduction technologies. One carbon reduction method proposed by authors was proved to be cost effective and this paper applies life cycle analysis focusing on all stages of ship life to investigate, determine and compare the feasibility of this methods in the aspect of environmental and cost impact which are two significant standard for the assessment. The results indicate the application of reduction method leads to a lower global warming potential when the carbon reduction target is increased. Oppositely, the economic benefits increased while complying with strict regulation. This paper also indicates to achieve carbon reduction target set up by regulation, a marginal target will be necessary. Evaluation of carbon reduction method using life cycle assessment is also recommended to policy makers and ship owners to provide them comparable results and reasonable decision makings.