The Shipbuilding & Ship Performance 4.0 Conference 2025, organized by TECH 4.0, took place on January 24, 2025, bringing together experts to discuss advancements in shipbuilding and performance optimization.
At the conference, Marc Bonazountas and Jason Markatos from EPSILON International Ltd (Malta) presented on behalf of the EcoShipYard project, focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for ships through a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) approach. Their session explored sustainable shipbuilding practices and material circularity within the EU, aligning with the project’s mission to enhance environmental and economic performance in the maritime sector.
The presentation covered key aspects of global shipping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the role of LCA in ship design and operations, and the evaluation of economic and environmental impacts throughout a vessel’s life cycle. It introduced key performance indicators (KPIs) related to CAPEX, OPEX, energy efficiency (EEDI), and emissions (CO₂, NOx, SO₂, etc.). The speakers also discussed optimization techniques, including composite indicator modeling, mathematical programming, and the “Benefit of the Doubt” approach, to assist shipyards and owners in balancing cost efficiency with sustainability.
The session concluded with insights into how LCA methodologies can be leveraged to enhance ship performance, regulatory compliance, and economic feasibility, ultimately driving innovation in the maritime industry.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101138730. UK participation in EcoShipYard Project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe guarantee [grant-number 10120898].
1.Bonazountas, M., and J. Markatos (2025). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for ships: A cost benefit analysis (CBA) approach. Annual TECH.4.0 Conference on “Shipbuilding & Ship Performance Technology 4.0.” Virtual 24/1/25, https://tech40.net/
