Inland Energy Review Studies Cost, Efficiency

Vanderbilt University is performing a study funded by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) that updates previous research on inland river propulsion systems.

Titled the Inland River Energy Review, Dr. Leah Dundon said the study updates research performed in 2021, but with a slightly different emphasis.

“We’re not really talking about greenhouse gas emissions in this study, but we are looking at energy efficiency,” she said.

Shippers are now less focused on zero-carbon commitments and reducing carbon emissions but are interested in being more efficient with energy to reduce costs, said Dundon, research assistant director of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Vanderbilt Climate Initiative. She gave a presentation on the 2025-2026 study last month during the Tennessee River Valley Association conference in Franklin, Tenn.

Goals of the study include updating emissions profiles, identifying priority demonstration projects for energy security and independence, increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions, she said at the conference.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the premier alternative fuel source “on the books and in discussion,” Dundon said. Biofuels are also popular, she said.

Challenges to updating with “greener” fuels include an uncertain market, including possible follow-on effects of the Iran war, as well as the overall cost of alternative fuels, which are typically two to five times more expensive.

One driver toward alternative fuel use could be safety, she said. One study reported a 35 percent rise in maritime casualties around the globe between 2020 and 2024, at the same period when the international fleet grew only 6 percent. Key causes of those casualties included machine damage and fires, with an aging fleet driving an increase in incidents, she said.

As part of the study, Dundon asked maritime stakeholders at the conference to complete the U.S. Maritime Competitiveness, Energy Security and Energy Performance Survey. The same survey was recently also sent out via email to waterways users with a link to https://owen.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w22ZK6WUbosalo. The survey’s introduction notes that responses to the research survey are confidential and that no personally identifiable information will be collected.

From information collected in previous research, Dundon said that the inland waterways continue to compare “very favorably” when among transportation modes in terms of environmental sustainability.

Interest in maritime transportation has also increased in recent years, she said. She pointed out that the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act directed the secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (USCMI), with a focus on improving and studying best practices and technology in maritime shipping. Following a competitive process, ABS has been chosen to lead the national center’s efforts and is building up the center’s website and developing working groups and panels, Dundon said. USCMI will investigate a range of potential subject areas, including interest in all types of vessels, ports and port facilities and other marine transportation.

Additionally, President Donald Trump’s administration released its Maritime Action Plan in February, with goals of revitalizing American shipbuilding, expending the U.S. flag fleet and strengthening the maritime industrial base.

“While encouraging, Dundon cautioned, “There are a lot of great words coming out, but Congress is going to have to actually pass laws to implement the Maritime Action Plan and provide funding and appropriate funding for those words to turn into a true revolution of the maritime industry.”