Shipping is responsible for more than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions and therefore already has great potential for implementing holistic lightweight construction, as flow resistance, draught and acceleration are directly linked to the necessary propulsion power and thus energy consumption and pollutant emissions.
Holistic, sustainable lightweight construction is becoming increasingly important in the maritime sector. Shipping companies have to transport larger payloads over ever greater distances at the same price. Reducing moving masses and resistance in the water can lower operating costs.
However, the CO2 footprint of a ship should remain as small as possible and transport prices should remain as low as possible. Fast ferries should operate at shorter intervals. Work ships should transport service technicians to offshore facilities more quickly.
Alternative drives such as electric or diesel-electric or wind-powered drives are seen as a solution and are gaining ground. New technologies such as sails, Flettner rotors or electric drives using hydrogen fuel cells or batteries are increasingly being used to support propulsion.
At the same time, passengers want maximum comfort on board. The additional systems require space and mass. A holistic development approach supports possible solutions in the field of lightweight construction. Professional weight tracking and management can identify and mitigate risks.
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