The Fleet Greening Study is a comprehensive review and cost/benefit analysis that evaluates available technology and equipment that can be applied to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessels in order to reduce their carbon footprint and support the agency's environmental objectives. With more than 25 years of experience providing engineering services for the NOAA fleet under multiple consecutive term contracts, Art Anderson Associates was tasked to lead this effort.

The scope of study involved reviewing regulatory requirements and proposed changes, investigating the latest systems and environmental technologies, conducting shipchecks of representative NOAA vessels and discussing recommendations with ship personnel, developed a process for conducting a full-scale fleet audit and cost estimate, and providing a prioritized list of recommendations that will provide a basis for NOAA budgeting and fleet modernization programs.

Both near- and long-term improvements were evaluated, accounting for the differences in vessel operations, operating areas, missions, life cycle and vessel designs. Particular emphasis was placed on investigating system improvements that reduce vessel air emissions and fuel consumption, improve waste processing and pollution prevention from ship discharges, and reducing the overall carbon footprint of vessels. Specific recommendations were provded in the areas of engine replacements, fuel usage, hull coatings, boiler and heating system modifications, ballast water treatment, oily waste and sewage processing system upgrades and HVAC system improvements.

In addition to the benefits to our client, which now has a basis to move ahead with its greening activities, the report was significant in moving forward our own firm's knowledge of green vessel technologies-expertise that can be applied to new designs, conversions and other vessel modernization projects undertaken by Art Anderson Associates.