Reducing Methane Emissions on Livestock Ships in Order to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Promote Future Maritime Sustainability

One of the main causes of climate change and global warming is greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock makes up 15% of the world's greenhouse gases (GHG), whereas maritime shipping accounts for 3%. Cattle can produce about 500 grams of methane a day per cow. This study demonstrates that livestock ships are an extremely high source of methane emissions. This study also offers innovative scientific techniques for lowering methane gas emissions from livestock ships. The MV Gelbray Express Livestock ship is selected to investigate the overall emissions generated by the main engine and the livestock on board. Main engine CO2 emissions and livestock CO2 equivalent emissions are theoretically calculated during 24-hour sailing under engine full load and livestock full capacity. The study revealed that livestock CO2 equivalent emissions account for 43% of the total CO2 emissions emitted by the engine and the livestock. To decrease livestock methane emissions, ZELP (Zero Emissions Livestock Project) has patented a unique catalytic technique for capturing and neutralizing methane generated during enteric fermentation in ruminant animals such as cows. Theoretical results show that using the ZELP mask reduces CO2 equivalent emissions by 58 000 kg per day at a livestock capacity of 4000 cattle onboard the MV Gelbray Express Livestock ship.

Duke Scholars

Author Mai ElMallah Pediatrics, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine