Emission estimation and spatiotemporal distribution of passenger ships using multi-source data : a case from Zhoushan (China)

Abstract

Quantifying and estimating shipping emissions is a critical component of global emission reduction research and has become a growing area of interest in recent years. However, emissions from short-distance passenger ships operating on inter-island routes and their environmental impacts have received limited attention. This contribution investigated the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of pollutants emitted by short-distance passenger ships at Zhoushan (China) using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and the bottom–up emission model integrated with multi-source meteorological data. A year-long emission inventory was investigated. The results indicated that high-speed passenger ships contributed to the largest share of the emissions. The emissions were predominantly concentrated during daytime hours, with the routes between Zhoushan Island and Daishan, Daishan and Shengsi, and Zhoushan Island and Liuheng Island accounting for most of the emissions. Furthermore, intra-port waterways were identified as the primary emission areas for short-distance passenger ships. This study provides essential data support and references for the relevant authorities to understand the emission patterns of short-distance passenger ships, thereby facilitating the formulation of targeted emission reduction strategies for the maritime passenger transport sector.