Effects of Reduced Speed on the Benefits and Pollution of Yangtze River Ships

Abstract

Yangtze River shipping causes air pollution in cities along the route, and the cost to ships should be considered while controlling emissions. This paper analyzes the impact of speed and other factors on ship emissions and profit. It discusses the potential scenarios of reducing operating costs and the management implications of influencing factors while meeting environmental policies. Partial basins are established as reduced speed zones (RSZs) based on predicting air pollutant concentrations, then modeling the operation and pollutant emissions of container ships. The research indicates that reducing speed appropriately inside RSZs can effectively reduce pollutant emissions in the area, with the extent of variation in the emissions and profit being slight for the entire voyage. Reducing speed throughout the voyage also achieves emission reduction but, ultimately, increases the ship’s sailing time. Meanwhile, the extension of RSZs, the fuel efficiency, and so forth, also affect the emissions and profit of the ship. These findings can provide insights for operators in reducing costs, as well as for environmental regulators in adjusting emission reduction regulations dynamically.