Environmental Policies in Maritime Transport: A Case Study of Solar Ship in Galapagos Islands

Abstract:

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Maritime transport there has serious effects, as occurred with the fuel tanker Jessica grounded on Shiavioni reef at the entrance of Wreck Bay, Isla San Cristóbal, on 16 January 2001. The vessel oil spilled approximately 240,000 gallons of fuel oil consisting of 160,000 gallons of Diesel Oil# 2 (DO# 2) and 80,000 gallons of Intermediate Fuel Oil 120 (IFO 120, or bunker fuel), jeopardizing the ecosystem of these islands. In order to reduce this impact, Ecuador authorities are driving the development of alternatives through initiatives such as the “National Plan for Good Living” and the" Galapagos Zero Fossil Fuels in the Galapagos" initiative. One remarkable initiative is the project of a solar powered catamaran. This study intends to assess the environmental effects related to the use of this boat as well as to compare the environmental performance of two main scenarios: solar and conventional boat operations. The results obtained show a significant improvement in the environmental performance when the solar boat is considered.

Año de publicación:

2014

Keywords:

Fuente:

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