Defining a framework for implementing the circular economy principles into ship design

Abstract

This research addresses the importance of sustainability in shipping beyond fuel selection, stressing the need for responsible material usage in vessel construction and maintenance. Transitioning to a circular economy is crucial for sustainable waste management in the industry, yet current ship design neglects circularity considerations, prioritising functionality and cost. The research evaluates frameworks such as the butterfly diagram, Cradle-to-Cradle, 10R, and ReSOLVE to integrate circularity into ship design. Combining the 10R framework with the Material Circularity Indicator method, this study offers practical insights for circularity in ship design. Challenges include integrating these methods into standard design processes, which are mitigated by fusing 10R strategies with systems engineering. A case study on wheelhouse redesign demonstrates the effects of this approach, highlighting the importance of supplier collaboration for circularity enhancement.