Gaseous and particulate pollutant emissions from ocean-going tankers in the context of carbon reduction: Main engine, auxiliary engine, and auxiliary boiler

Ships are a major source of air pollution, which significantly impacts global health. In this study, the gaseous and particulate emissions from the main engine, auxiliary engine, and auxiliary boiler of a modern Tier Ⅲ large ocean-going vessel fueled with marine gas oil and heavy fuel oil have been investigated. Emissions of gaseous pollutants in the exhaust were measured online and particulate samples were collected to determine detailed physical and chemical properties. The results indicated that CO2 and NOx are the main gaseous pollutants, while organic carbon accounts for the majority of particulate pollutants for the three devices. The element carbon emissions of the auxiliary engine decreased with load increasing while those of the main engine maintained a level of approximately 0.062 g/kWh. The black carbon emissions of the main and auxiliary engine resulting from using marine gas oil were higher than heavy fuel oil. Consistent correlations among pollutants were observed for the engines. Finally, the measured value of element carbon cannot be utilized as a substitute for black carbon emissions due to the presence of light-absorbing organic carbon in organic carbon. •The main gaseous pollutants are CO2 and NOx, while OC accounts for the majority of particulate pollutants.•Elevated OC/EC ratio for the main and auxiliary engines with HFO compared to MGO.•The BC emissions from using MGO were higher than those from using HFO for both the main engine and auxiliary engine.•The measured EC value cannot substitute for BC emissions because of the presence of light-absorbing OC.•Correlations of gaseous emissions with particulate emissions is estimated.