Climate change is the most pressing scientific problem of the 21st century and major world leaders are seeking solutions. Changes to all industry sectors are needed to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The shipping industry requires research on how they can best create change. Working with the USCG, we determined that a way for this industry to aid in GHG reductions is using greener alternative fuels to diesel. This project seeks to develop the framework needed to trace the carbon impact of alternative fuels through assessing the performance of the lower carbon content fuels compared to diesel. By evaluating the carbon produced using a well-to-wake approach and a decision matrix analyzing other criteria, it was evident that a switch to biodiesel is the most feasible choice.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Drapeau, Alison
• MacAllister, Molly
• Kelly, Michaela

Subject

• Industry
• Sustainability
• Project-Based Learning
• Energy
• Environment

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 42506
• E-project-120921-103932

Keyword

• marine fuels
• maritime vessels
• climate change
• sustainability
• green fuels
• Coast Guard

Advisor

• Hanlan, James P.
• Hall-Phillips, Adrienne

Year

• 2021

Center

• Washington, DC Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• United States Coast Guard

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 13 - Climate Action

Date created

• 2021-12-09

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright