The Practice and Challenges of Digital Technology in Ship Energy Efficiency Management

Abstract

The global shipping industry, as a core vehicle for international trade, is also a key area of carbon emissions. In recent years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has successively introduced policies such as amendments to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the Carbon Intensity Index (CII), explicitly requiring ships to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Ship energy efficiency management has become a core issue for sustainable operations for shipping companies. Traditional energy efficiency management relies on manual record-keeping and empirical judgment, suffering from data lag, a single analysis dimension, and insufficiently targeted optimization solutions, making it difficult to meet the needs of refined emissions reduction. Digital technology, with its advantages of real-time data collection, multi-dimensional analysis, and dynamic optimization, offers new solutions for ship energy efficiency management. This paper examines the application of digital technology in ship energy efficiency management. First, it identifies the core requirements of ship energy efficiency management and the compatibility of digital technology. Then, it analyzes the practical path and existing challenges of digital technology from four perspectives: data collection and processing, energy efficiency optimization strategies, technical bottlenecks, and industry implementation challenges. Finally, it offers targeted recommendations based on the current state of the industry. Research has found that technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence have achieved initial application in ship fuel consumption monitoring, route optimization, and power system control. However, challenges remain, such as poor data interoperability, high investment costs for small and medium-sized shipbuilders, and insufficient digital skills for crew members. This study can provide practical references for shipbuilders in advancing the digital transformation of energy efficiency management and offer insights into how the industry can address digital implementation challenges.