Ship propulsion: Overview
The engines, sails and reactors that move world trade
What this tile covers Marine diesel and LNG engines, wind-assisted ships and nuclear vessels. Share of use 2.7% share of final energy use (2019)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Navigation (domestic and international bunkers) used 6.7% of final oil, and oil was 40.4% of final energy in 2019, about 2.7% (calculated). Overlaps engines. Source: Key World Energy Statistics 2021, International Energy Agency.
Key facts
| Chain | Chemical (fuel oil or LNG) → heat → mechanical → propeller → kinetic |
Included from the reference tables
- Diesel and LNG ships
- Sailing and rotor-sail ships
- Nuclear submarines and carriers
Also in Transport systems
ICV Combustion road vehiclesEV Electric and hybrid vehiclesRail Rail tractionJet Aviation propulsionRkt Rockets and human powerExplore paths from here
More on this tile in the tabs above: science and limits, value chain, unit economics, engineering methods, equipment and suppliers.