Set sails for energy-efficient, low-emission shipping Ships are responsible for almost 5 % of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. An EU initiative designed smart energy management strategies that will result in more energy-efficient shipping. Transport and Mobility Climate Change and Environment Energy © Tsuguliev, Thinkstock Cargo ships are significant greenhouse polluters. Improved shipboard engine and energy management systems would not only reduce emissions, but also provide opportunities for European business. With this in mind, the EU-funded INOMANS2HIP (Innovative energy management system for cargo ship) project set out to develop a management system based on integrating all sources of energy. The project considered mature technologies as well as new and future innovations in development. Work began by identifying the best strategies to integrate conventional and renewable energy sources aboard cargo ships. The aim was to analyse environmental and operational factors affecting energy consumption and to develop strategies and tools to optimise energy consumption and minimise maintenance during service. Project partners devised novel tools to assess new equipment to be installed on board ships in order to evaluate overall energy balance and improve efficiency. They defined interfaces for all types of conventional and non-polluting/low-carbon energy sources available for integration into cargo ship electric networks. The INOMANS2HIP team developed specific algorithms that analyse energy demand in real time, provide energy efficiency optimisation and minimise maintenance of existing and future ships. It also designed and developed a strategic software tool and virtual demonstrator through a specially designed human machine interface. The interface supports various cargos and electrical networks, providing advanced concepts for improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Lastly, researchers developed an energy management system to gather and analyse engine data in real time, while optimising energy needs and reducing pollution and costs. They performed an environment, economic, safety and risk analysis to assess the system's feasibility, compliance with safety rules and costs. INOMANS2HIP helped to meet the demand for more energy-efficient, low-emission shipping. By helping to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and related costs, the project should boost the competitiveness of the merchant marine sector and equipment manufacturers in Europe. Keywords Energy management system, cargo ships, INOMANS2HIP
