LCA as a tool to aid in the selection of retrofitting alternatives

• The study shows the benefits of using LCA as a valid tool for the maritime industry.
• Three different contemporary ballast water treatment systems are assessed.
• The theory and results serve in choosing sound shipboard retrofitting alternatives.

The present study is the authors’ intention to evidence the advantages of using the LCA methodology, specifically as a tool applicable to shipboard and maritime industry operations, in order to estimate and compare environmental loads resulting from these.The intended application of the methodology is through a comparative assertion between three different contemporary ballast water treatment technologies. Each system is assessed and compared to the other, while being functionally modelled using a case vessel scenario, and weighted and reviewed using the ISO 14040 and 14044 guidelines.The study will document the true benefit of the methodology, as a tool to assist in the decision-making process for ship-owners and fleet managers, during the process and practical evaluation of ship retrofitting, e.g. choosing and retrofitting from a different array of ballast water treatment system alternatives. Additionally, a cost–benefit analysis is carried out against the systems, shown in comparison with the environmental impact results, and thus resulting on a more accurately holistic assessment.