Reducing Emissions from Ocean-going Vessels in Savannah, Georgia
Abstract
How can we reduce emissions impacts of ocean-going vessels within the port of Savannah, Georgia?
This project addresses the environmental and sustainability challenges associated with ocean- going vessels (OGVs) at the Port of Savannah, Georgia, focusing on emissions from diesel- powered operations such as vessel idling and dredging. Maritime shipping is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants, posing risks to both climate stability and public health in the region. To mitigate these impacts, this proposal presents a three-pronged strategy: implementing shore power infrastructure, electrifying dredging equipment, and optimizing port operations via artificial intelligence (AI). Together, these solutions aim to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance operational efficiency, ultimately aligning the port with global sustainability objectives. In particular, the project supports the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The project, additionally, acknowledges several remaining research gaps. These gaps include the feasibility of shore power deployment in regions with underdeveloped infrastructure, the potential unintended consequences of AI implementation, and the limited data on the long-term effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The proposal also recognizes practical challenges to implementation like high upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructural limitations; to overcome these barriers, the project explores federal funding opportunities, policy incentives, and public-private partnerships. By addressing these challenges holistically, the project seeks to contribute to the port’s long-term sustainability, improve local public health outcomes, and mitigate the broader impacts of climate change.
