Ships are an integral part of the global economy, transporting goods across seas and oceans. Many people wonder what fuels these massive vessels? Do they run on crude oil? The short answer is yes, many ships do operate on crude oil.
Crude oil is a non-renewable form of energy and is the most used and important energy source in the world. It is extracted from the ground in oil wells and is transported to refineries where it is processed into various forms of fuel. The fuel used by ships is commonly known as bunker fuel, which is a heavier and thicker form of fuel oil that is used by large marine vessels.
Ships require a massive amount of energy to operate, and a single ship can consume hundreds of tons of fuel every day. Crude oil, and its derivatives like bunker fuel, are popular because of their high energy density, which means they can provide more energy for the same amount of fuel compared to other types of fuel.
However, the use of crude oil has become a significant environmental concern due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimates that shipping is responsible for around 3% of global carbon emissions.
To address this issue, the IMO has introduced regulations to reduce the amount of sulfur in marine fuels. Ships must now use low sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) or install exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), also known as scrubbers, to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The new regulations have led to a significant increase in the price of LSFO, which may drive the industry towards cleaner fuel options.
Alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels are being considered as cleaner alternatives to crude oil. However, these fuels are not yet widely available and may require significant investment in infrastructure for their adoption.
Many ships currently rely on crude oil and its derivatives to operate. However, the industry is slowly moving towards cleaner fuels due to environmental concerns and new regulations. As the global economy continues to grow, it is important for the shipping industry to find sustainable and less polluting fuel alternatives to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.