Exploring the carbon abatement measures in maritime supply chain: a scenario-based system dynamics approach

The rapid growth of the global economy has boosted the shipping industry, but it has also increased energy consumption and exhaust emissions. Based on the system dynamics method, we construct a carbon abatement model of maritime supply chain, in which the interaction among company, economy, energy, environment, and policy is deeply analysed. The effect of various carbon abatement measures is simulated with a case study of Shanghai Port. The results prove that the shore power has tremendous potential for reducing emissions. Interestingly, the emission trading scheme has little effect on emission reduction. Conversely, it will increase CO2 emissions because of the vicious circle of higher CO2 production and decreased CO2 treatment capability. Case 4 is the best alternative for reducing CO2 emissions in maritime supply chain when combined measures are applied, regardless of the emission reduction effect or carbon emission intensity. Thus, it is most effective to mobilise all kinds of resources to reduce CO2 emissions when conditions permit.