A Bi-Level Programming Model for China’s Marine Domestic Emission Control Area Design

Due to the adverse impact of seaborne sulfur emissions on coastal areas, Ministry Transport People’s Republic China is planning implement a 0.1% cap bunker fuel in domestic emission control area (DECA) 1 January 2025. As current DECA width only 12 NM, ships can bypass reduce use high-priced ultra-low oil (ULSFO) and thus save costs. The purpose this study first assess effect China’s 12-NM-wide policy then assist government determining optimal width. We develop bi-level programming model capture relationship between ship operators’ operations. In lower-level model, we decisions regarding their ships’ sailing routes speeds while considering time required for switching, which aims minimize total costs over given voyage. solution embedded upper-level determine government, with aim minimizing environment. final results, obtained from computational experiments, validate idea that tend inside decrease ULSFO. Therefore, recommend increase at least 112 NM prevent bypassing it achieve desired reduction target.