Insight into tribological problems of green ship and corresponding research progresses

The so-called “green ship” is being regarded as a potential solution to the problems that the shipping industry faces, such as energy conservation and environmental protection. Some new features, such as integrated renewable energy application, biomimetic materials, and antifriction and wear resistant coating have been accepted as the typical characteristics of a green ship, but the tribology problems involved in these domains have not been precisely redefined yet. Further, the related research work is generally focused on the technology or material itself, but not on the integration of the applicable object or green ship, marine environment, and tribological systematical analysis from the viewpoint of the energy efficiency design index (EEDI) and ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP) improvements. Aiming at the tribology problems of the green ship, this paper reviews the research status of this issue from three specific domains, which are the tribology problems of the renewable energy system, tribological research for hull resistance reduction, and energy efficiency enhancement. Some typical tribological problems in the sail-auxiliary system are discussed, along with the solar photovoltaic system and hull drag reduction in traditional marine mechanical equipment. Correspondingly, four domains that should be further considered for the future development target of the green ship are prospected.