GRENDEL Green and efficient Danube Fleet

Factsheet: Why to modernise inland vessels?

As the modernisation of inland vessels is one of the main objectives of the GRENDEL project, this factsheet provides the interested reader with basic information on the new Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 and on the structure, type and age of the Danube vessels.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: January 2019

Factsheet No. 1: GAS AND GAS-ELECTRIC PROPULSION

LNG as a fuel is a technologically proven and available solution. LNG offers advantages, especially for ships with a high energy demand and load factor which benefit from the lower energy costs. Conventional oil-based fuels will remain the main fuel option for most vessels in the near future, and, at the same time, the commercial opportunities of LNG are interesting for many projects. While different technologies can be used to comply with air emission limits, LNG technology is a smart way to meet existing and upcoming requirements for the main types of emissions (SOx, NOx, PM, CO2). This fact sheet offers insight into gas and gas-electric propulsion, ranging from relevant regulations, technical concepts, information on economics and environmental sustainability as well as references to deployed examples.

This Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

Factsheet No. 2: DIESEL-ELECTRIC PROPULSION

The concept of electrical propulsion systems is not new. The first ships with diesel-electric propulsion were in operation as early as 1904 and the concept has obviously made a lot of progress since then. The future belongs to green propulsion technologies. Diesel-electric propulsion combines the high efficiency in matching use-cases, low noise levels and environmental sustainability due to potentially lower emissions. This fact sheet offers insight into diesel-electric propulsion, ranging from relevant regulations, technical concepts, information on economics and environmental sustainability as well as references to deployed examples.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

Factsheet No. 3: AFTER-TREATMENT

Diesel engines emit exhaust gas, which includes poisonous components, such as nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) causing environmental pollution and damage to human health. In line with the EU's air quality policy, the objective is to progressively reduce the emissions from new engines being brought on the market and, thereby, replace the old, more polluting ones over time. For these reasons, the Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 enforces more stringent limits to gaseous and particulate pollutant emissions, so called Stage V, for engines being used for inland vessels. With this emission regulation after-treatment solutions will be required for diesel-propelled inland waterway vessels in the future. This fact sheet offers insight into after-treatment solutions, ranging from relevant regulations and technical concepts to information on economics and environmental sustainability.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

Factsheet No. 4: FUEL CELL PROPULSION

This fact sheet offers insight into various applications of fuel cells for propulsion and auxiliary power in inland ships. Hydrogen storage options and alternative energy carriers are presented with their pros and cons in brief. Information ranges from relevant regulations, technical concepts including benefits and down-sides to recommendations for further reading.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

Factsheet No. 5: BATTERY electric propulsion

This fact sheet offers insight into battery electric propulsion, ranging from relevant regulations, technical concepts, information on economics and environmental sustainability as well as references to deployed examples. Batteries can be used as the sole power source or in combination with a more conventional, e.g. Diesel-electric drivetrain.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

Factsheet No. 6: DROP-IN FUELS

This fact sheet offers information on drop-in fuels that can be used in pure form or as a blend replacing conventional diesel without major engine conversions. Depending on the feedstock and upstream chain of the fuel production it can contribute to the decarbonisation of inland shipping significantly. Information on economics and environmental sustainability as well as references to recent applications is given here.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

FACTSHEET NO. 7: EURO VI TRUCK AND NRE ENGINES

As an alternative to engines with a dedicated type approval for inland ships (Stage V classes IWA and IWP) marinised engines of class NRE with power up to 560 kW and Euro VI truck engines may be installed on inland ships. These engines are usually more compact and have shorter product cycles due to the larger market demand. However, it needs to be ensured that the type approval is not lost due to the marinisation. This fact sheet gives an insight into regulations and technical details as well as economic aspects.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020

FACTSHEET NO. 8: ENERGY EFFICIENT NAVIGATION

Most measures to increase the environmental performance of inland navigation are linked to significant investments and sometimes even higher operational costs. Smart nautical operation can reduce energy consumption and emissions of air pollutants without or at little extra costs (e. g. for advice tools or training). This fact sheet offers information on energy-efficient navigation including the underlying physics.

The Factsheet is available here for DOWNLOAD.

Version: April 2020