Cold Ironing Impacts on Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity and IMO Net-Zero Fund Contributions
Journal of Eta Maritime Science, vol.14, no.2, pp.177-189, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 14 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.4274/jems.2026.79553
- Journal Name: Journal of Eta Maritime Science
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), Directory of Open Access Journals, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.177-189
- Keywords: Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity, IMO Net-Zero Framework, marine engineering, maritime decarbonization
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study examines the techno-economic implications of cold ironing for an oceangoing bulk carrier under the Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI)-based compliance methodology of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Net-Zero Framework. The vessel was assessed under base-case and possible cold ironing deployment scenarios, covering port stay, anchorage, and bunkering operations, using one year of operational data. The analysis explicitly integrated cold ironing utilization into the ship-level GFI formulation and quantified Tier 1 and Tier 2 compliance deficits, remedial unit requirements, and associated compliance costs for the 2028-2035 reporting periods. The results showed that the reference vessel remains within the Tier 2 compliance region, under current operating conditions, implying annual contributions to the IMO Net-Zero Fund exceeding USD 1.2 million by 2028 and approaching USD 1.75 million by 2030 under the proposed remedial unit pricing structure. A full-scale cold ironing application can reduce the attained annual GFI by 1.7% and yield substantial economic benefits through reduced auxiliary fuel consumption and lower remedial unit payments. Cold ironing remains economically viable for electricity prices below USD 0.30 per kWh. While cold ironing alone does not achieve direct GFI compliance, the study demonstrates its effectiveness as a cost-efficient, near-term mitigation option.