Scientific American discusses why cargo ships need to be cleaner
In fact, emissions of nitrogen oxides from one ship burning diesel in a year are greater than those from 22,000 cars…After all, fuel costs for a tanker ship are fully 41 percent of its total operating costs.
In response, a Norwegian shipping company installed a molten carbonate fuel cell (is this the same stuff they froze Han’s in?) supplying 230 kw on the Viking Lady. To keep the carbonate molten it operates at 650 degrees Celsius (now I am convinced this is what the Dark Lord used). According to Scientific American the Viking Lady the ”reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent, CO2 emissions by 20 percent and eliminates sulfur dioxide and soot emissions.”
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kevin Zelnio, Gas Diesel Prices. Gas Diesel Prices said: First Fuel Cell Ship http://bit.ly/5S93KX [...]
Carbonate at 650 degrees Celsius! Han Solo will be reduced to a crisp!
I think the most vehicles will work on carbonate fuel, because it’s cheap enough.
I just jumped over and read the full ScientificAmerican.com article. If this Norwegian shipping company can truly eliminate sulfur dioxide and soot emissions as advertised, it would be a huge step forward. Everyone (appropriately) complains about corporate greed and damage to the environment, but if reduced emissions can be achieved via financial motivation, well then so be it.
[...] seen multiple designs of late for ferries, cargo and container ships, and yachts focused on lower fuel consumption. [...]