A Review of Ship Energy Loss, Emission Characteristics and IMO Compliance Energy-Saving Technologies

Kaixing Li; Zhijie Li; Shuai Ma; Qiang Ma

doi:10.54691/twwrhw23

Authors

Kaixing Li 1School of Navigation and Shipping, Shandong Jiaotong University, Weihai 264209, China
Zhijie Li School ofNaval Architecture and Port Engineering College, Shandong Jiaotong University, Weihai 264209, China;
Shuai Ma School ofNaval Architecture and Port Engineering College, Shandong Jiaotong University, Weihai 264209, China;
Qiang Ma School of Navigation and Shipping, Shandong Jiaotong University, Weihai 264209, China;

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/twwrhw23

Keywords:

Maritime decarbonization; ship energy loss; ship emission; IMO regulations; CII compliance; energy-saving technology.

Abstract

Global maritime decarbonization driven by IMO regulations has become the core constraint for modern shipping operations. This study adopts bibliometric analysis (2015–2025) and PRISMA-based systematic review (2018–2025) to comprehensively investigate ship energy loss mechanisms, emission distribution characteristics and mainstream energy efficiency improvement technologies. This paper fully analyzes power system partial-load loss, thermal heat dissipation and actual energy waste data of merchant ships. The mandatory regulatory system including EEDI, EEXI, CII and SEEMP is systematically interpreted. Typical energy-saving technologies covering hull optimization, power system retrofitting, waste heat recovery and operational management are summarized. A quantitative comparison of technical performance, cost and emission reduction potential is presented. On this basis, staged low-carbon paths for different ship types are proposed. The research results can provide practical references for shipping enterprises to achieve CII compliance and ship energy-saving transformation.

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