Energy efficient lighting system

Use of energy efficient lighting equipment such as low energy halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, and LED (Light emitting diode) has continuously been developed as focus on energy efficiency has increased over the years. So far, this technology has been applied only to a limited extent in the shipping industry and conventional ship designs still does not include low energy lighting. However, it is becoming more and more utilized, as players see the profitability and other benefits of such measures.

Installation of energy-efficient lighting typically includes low-energy halogen lamps, fluorescent tubes, and LED bulbs (Light Emitting Diode) in combination with electronic control systems for dimming with automatic on and off options. The savings are achieved by avoiding heat loss from conventional lighting, as well as being able to automatically reduce and control the lighting when needed. Implementing energy efficient light system will in addition to enhanced energy efficiency reduce the maintenance hours and operating cost.

Applicability and assumptions

Energy efficient light systems can be installed on all vessel types and ages, where passenger vessels have the highest reduction potential.

The total energy consumed for lighting on a normal merchant ship can be estimated to be 0.25 – 5% of the total electrical power consumed and is believed to be higher for cruise and passenger ships (>10%). Since most of the energy lighting systems has an equal or longer lifetime than normal lighting systems, the additional operational costs are set to zero.

Cost of implementation

Additional cost of $100,000 – $150,000 (USD) compared to the traditional lighting installations on normal ships and $200,000 – $1,500,000 (USD) on passenger and cruise ships.

Reduction potential

The emission reduction potential is estimated to be in the range of 0.25 – 5% of the total auxiliary engine consumption on normal merchant ships. The total annual reduction potential is estimated to about 0.25 – 0.5%. As most energy-saving lighting systems have at least as long, or significantly longer, lifetimes than conventional lighting systems, no additional operating costs are estimated.

Other References

1. Analysis of LED lighting for a service ship / Orbaneja, et.al, 2015