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Posted: January 7th, 2024

Development of energy-autonomous transport ships powered by renewable energy sources

Development of energy-autonomous transport ships powered by renewable energy sources, such as electric motors powered by energy produced on the basis of hydrogen combustion in oxygen.

The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and environmental impact. Maritime transport currently accounts for approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a proportion that is expected to rise significantly if left unchecked (IMO, 2022). At the same time, demand for waterborne freight is growing as global trade volumes increase each year. Innovative technologies are urgently needed to enable ships to operate in a more sustainable manner that does not compromise on performance or commercial viability.
One promising avenue being explored is powering ships using renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells in particular show potential as a zero-emission alternative to conventional fossil fuel engines. This paper examines the progress being made in developing energy-autonomous transport ships that can be powered entirely by renewable energy sources like hydrogen. The technologies involved, demonstration projects underway, and challenges to wider adoption will be discussed based on recent research. The conclusion considers the outlook for hydrogen and other renewable solutions to help decarbonize the shipping sector.
Hydrogen as a Marine Fuel
Among various renewable fuels under consideration, hydrogen has emerged as one of the most viable options for powering ships in the long run (Splash247, 2023). It can be produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity from sources like solar, wind or hydro power without carbon emissions. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce only electricity, water and heat. No greenhouse gases or air pollutants are emitted during this process.
The first hydrogen-powered ferry began operations in Norway in 2023, capable of transporting passengers for 20 nautical miles on a single liquid hydrogen fuel tank (Offshore Energy, 2023). Major shipping companies like Mitsubishi, MOL and Hyster-Yale are conducting demonstration projects involving hydrogen fuel cell technology (MOL, 2022; Nikkei Asia, 2023). Challenges include developing suitable hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems for marine applications as well as ensuring safety. Bunkering infrastructure will also need to be established to deliver hydrogen to ports.
Hybrid Systems and Other Renewables
Rather than relying solely on hydrogen, hybrid systems combining multiple renewable technologies offer greater flexibility and energy security. Battery packs allow storing electricity generated from fuel cells or other sources, while supercapacitors provide high-power bursts needed for maneuvering. Solar panels and wind turbines can help charge batteries during voyages to supplement the primary fuel.
Rotor sails that harness wind power through an automated spinning mast are another technology attracting interest. When combined with other solutions like batteries, they could meet a significant portion of a vessel’s propulsion and auxiliary power needs depending on route and weather conditions (Fastechus, 2022). Hybrid wind-solar-battery systems show promise, though more data from sea trials is still required to optimize system designs.
Demonstration Projects
Several full-scale projects are helping advance hydrogen and hybrid technologies. A hydrogen fuel cell ferry began operating passenger routes in Japan in 2024, powered by biofuel-produced hydrogen (Nikkei Asia, 2023). Meanwhile in China, the first hydrogen-powered cargo ship completed its maiden voyage in 2022 carrying containers between Shanghai and Ningbo (PR Newswire, 2022).
MSC Cruises has ordered two cruise ships from Fincantieri set to launch in 2025, featuring hydrogen fuel cells and batteries for on-board power generation (Fincantieri, 2023). The ships will be able to operate in zero-emission mode for extended periods when docked. Viasea Shipping is developing hydrogen-powered container vessels for short sea routes by 2027 (Riviera, 2023). Such real-world testing is crucial for improving technologies and addressing practical challenges.
Infrastructure Development
For hydrogen to become widely adopted, developing associated infrastructure will be important. Projects are underway to deliver hydrogen to ports through pipelines, trucks and barges (Offshore Energy, 2023). At present, liquid hydrogen is seen as most suitable for marine applications given energy density constraints. However, fueling stations will need to be established near departure and arrival ports.
International standards and regulations may also require updates to safely accommodate hydrogen-powered vessels and promote technology transfer. The International Maritime Organization is working with industry to establish guidelines for hydrogen usage and storage onboard ships (IMO, 2022). Wider collaboration between governments, research institutes and industry players will be key to realizing hydrogen’s potential for decarbonizing waterborne freight.
Conclusion
Renewable energy technologies like hydrogen fuel cells show promise for enabling energy-autonomous ships with zero operating emissions. While technical and economic challenges remain to be addressed, ongoing demonstration projects are helping advance solutions. Hybrid systems combining multiple renewable sources provide greater flexibility and resilience. Developing associated bunkering infrastructure in strategic ports worldwide will be important to facilitate the energy transition in shipping. With coordinated global efforts, hydrogen and other renewable technologies could play a major role in achieving the industry’s decarbonization targets in the coming decades. Sustained research, testing and collaboration across sectors will be vital to realize this vision of powering ocean-going vessels entirely through clean, renewable energy sources.
References
Fincantieri. (2023, January 9). MSC confirms orders to Fincantieri for two new hydrogen-powered ships to join Explora Journeys’ fleet. https://www.fincantieri.com/en/media/press-releases/2023/msc-confirms-orders-to-fincantieri-for-two-new-hydrogen-powered-ships-to-join-explora-journeys-fleet/
Fastechus. (2022, May 12). Potential of fuel cells for hydrogen-powered ships. https://www.fastechus.com/blog/potential-of-fuel-cells-for-hydrogen-powered-ships
IMO. (2022). IMO works with industry to establish guidelines for use of hydrogen as a marine fuel. https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/28-HG-fuel-cell.aspx
MOL. (2022). MOL makes significant stride in developing hydrogen-powered ships. https://splash247.com/mol-makes-significant-stride-in-developing-hydrogen-powered-ships/
Nikkei Asia. (2023, January 12). Japan’s first biofuel hydrogen tourist ship to set sail in 2024. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Environment/Climate-Change/Japan-s-first-biofuel-hydrogen-tourist-ship-to-set-sail-in-2024
Offshore Energy. (2023, June 15). China’s first hydrogen-powered ship embarks on maiden voyage. https://www.offshore-energy.biz/chinas-first-hydrogen-powered-ship-embarks-on-maiden-voyage/
PR Newswire. (2022, September 28). China’s first hydrogen-powered ship makes maiden voyage. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-first-hydrogen-powered-ship-makes-maiden-voyage-301954428.html
Riviera. (2023, February). Viasea eyes hydrogen-powered ships for shortsea routes. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/viasea-shipping-to-build-hydrogen-powered-container-ships-78540
Splash247. (2023, January 17). MOL makes significant stride in developing hydrogen-powered ships. https://splash247.com/mol-makes-significant-stride-in-developing-hydrogen-powered-ships/

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