ABSTRACT
The importance of maritime transportation is shown by its role in global trade. According to the available information it represents 80% of global trade by volume and 70% of its value, and the expected growth for is approximately 4%. This chapter discusses the availability of a ship's main propulsion engine as a whole system unit and, more specifically, the availability of two different marine engine types: an ordinary diesel propulsion engine and a gas propulsion engine. The potential propulsion combinations include even dual fuel engines with steam turbine generators presenting a low level of carbon dioxide emissions. The choice of the appropriate propulsion engine and fuel on a ship is a question of fundamental technical issues from the perspective of shipbuilding, which decision makers need to answer by taking into consideration environmental issues and comparing different fuel alternatives.
