Posted: July 30th, 2023

LCA Approach for Environmental Impact Assessment within the Maritime Industry

LCA Approach for Environmental Impact Assessment within the Maritime Industry: A Re-Design Case Study of Yacht’s Superstructure

Abstract:
This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach as a method for evaluating the environmental impact of maritime industry practices. Focusing on the specific case study of a yacht’s superstructure redesign, this research aims to exemplify how LCA can be applied to assess the ecological implications of material choices and construction processes in the maritime sector. Drawing upon recently updated data and findings from peer-reviewed sources, this article emphasizes the significance of LCA as a powerful tool for fostering sustainability in the maritime industry.

Introduction:
The maritime industry plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation, but it also has a substantial environmental impact. The growing concern for environmental sustainability calls for innovative approaches to assess and mitigate the industry’s ecological footprint. Among various methodologies, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) emerges as an effective means of evaluating the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or system throughout its entire life cycle. In this article, we delve into the LCA approach and demonstrate its application in the redesign of a yacht’s superstructure.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):
LCA is a comprehensive methodology that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or service from raw material extraction to its ultimate disposal. It encompasses four essential phases: (1) goal and scope definition, (2) life cycle inventory (LCI), (3) life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and (4) interpretation. By employing this systematic approach, decision-makers within the maritime industry can identify and prioritize environmentally sustainable options, minimize adverse impacts, and promote circularity.

Re-Design Case Study of Yacht’s Superstructure:
The case study at hand focuses on the redesign of a yacht’s superstructure to illustrate the practical application of LCA in the maritime industry. A comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of two superstructure material options: traditional fiberglass and an innovative, sustainable composite material. The LCA process considers the energy consumption, emissions, and waste generation associated with each material over the product’s entire life cycle.

LCA Steps in the Yacht Superstructure Case Study:
4.1 Goal and Scope Definition:
The goal of this LCA study is to compare the environmental impact of the traditional fiberglass superstructure with that of the sustainable composite material superstructure, with both serving the same purpose and life span. The scope includes the raw material extraction, manufacturing, use phase, and disposal stages for both options, while considering their different energy requirements and potential recycling scenarios.

4.2 Life Cycle Inventory (LCI):
The life cycle inventory involves the quantification of inputs and outputs at each life cycle stage for both superstructure options. This includes assessing the energy consumption during raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, and the operational phase of the yacht. Furthermore, emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants are accounted for, along with the waste generation during production and end-of-life scenarios.

4.3 Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA):
The life cycle impact assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the two superstructure options. LCIA methodologies, such as the ReCiPe and CML methods, are applied to convert the inventory data into environmental impact scores, considering factors like global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and human toxicity.

4.4 Interpretation:
In this stage, the results of the LCA study are analyzed to draw meaningful conclusions and make informed decisions. The LCA findings will aid stakeholders in the maritime industry to select the environmentally preferable superstructure material, considering the entire life cycle of the product.

Conclusion:
The application of the LCA approach to the redesign case study of a yacht’s superstructure demonstrates the significance of this methodology in promoting sustainability within the maritime industry. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of environmental impacts, LCA enables decision-makers to identify ecologically superior alternatives and make informed choices for more sustainable practices. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, integrating LCA into its processes can significantly contribute to reducing its environmental footprint.
References:

Chen, S., Lim, S., Hong, T., & Hong, J. (2019). Life cycle assessment of marine structures: Comparative analysis of various building materials and construction methods. Ocean Engineering, 188, 106251. doi:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2019.106251

Ferrara, M., Nikolopoulos, N., Feo, G., Troncone, A., Giorgetti, A., De Marco, A., & Stachiv, I. (2018). Eco-design of composite materials for marine applications: A life cycle assessment approach. Sustainability, 10(3), 751. doi:10.3390/su10030751

Rodrigues, A. S., Neves, R. B., & Gomes, J. P. (2018). Life cycle assessment in the maritime industry: A review. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 63, 449-461. doi:10.1016/j.trd.2017.11.023

Zou, L., Ren, J., Yang, H., Li, W., Liu, Z., & Gao, Z. (2016). Environmental assessment of yacht fiberglass composites: A life cycle perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 112(1), 689-699. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.06.021