Speed optimization for green maritime transportation

Among the spectrum of logistics – based measures for green maritime transportation, in this talk we discuss speed optimization. This involves the selection of an appropriate speed by the vessel, so as to optimize a certain objective.  As ship speed is not fixed, depressed shipping markets and/or high fuel prices induce slow steaming which is being practised in many sectors of the shipping industry. In recent years the environmental dimension of slow steaming has also become important, as ship emissions are directly proportional to fuel burned. Win-win solutions are sought, but they will not necessarily be possible. We present some basics, discuss the main trade-offs and also examine combined speed and route optimization problems.  We finally present some examples so as to highlight the main issues that are at play.