How to choose the right marine fuel
To Decarbonise the maritime industry we require innovative solutions such as new and more efficient fuels, novel vessel designs and efficient operations
The maritime industry, despite its relatively small contribution of around 3% to global CO2 emissions, finds itself at a crossroads. With the pressing need for decarbonisation across various sectors, including shipping, the industry faces a significant challenge.
The Paris Agreement, while not explicitly mentioning international shipping, has catalysed action through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which has promised to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050.
In this era of heightened environmental awareness, finding cleaner and more sustainable fuel has become paramount.
Extensive studies have delved into the viability of alternative marine fuels, offering comprehensive assessments of their commercial and operational feasibility. Achieving decarbonisation requires innovative solutions such as alternative fuels, novel vessel designs and efficient operations.
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Let's explore some of the key options and challenges in this transition.
Diverse low-and-zero-carbon fuel options
The discussion surrounding alternative marine fuels introduces a wide array of low-and-zero-carbon options, each with unique characteristics and challenges. These options include LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, biofuel and synthetic fuel.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): LNG is a cryogenic liquid primarily composed of methane, known for its efficiency in storage and transport. It has gained global attention as a cleaner transportation fuel for ships, as it significantly reduces emissions compared to heavy fuel oil. However, LNG-fueled engines produce methane slip, a concern due to methane's higher greenhouse gas potency. However, recent studies indicate that substantial reductions in methane slip are achievable by 2030.
Synthetic LNG: This is produced through the synthesis of CO2 and hydrogen, offering a potential carbon-neutral fuel option. Achieving carbon neutrality with synthetic LNG requires green hydrogen and 'recycled CO2' from sources like industry 'flue gas' or direct air capture. Importantly, it can be used as a marine fuel with no additional capital investment cost and can be easily integrated into existing LNG infrastructure.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a versatile fuel sourced from natural gas or renewable electricity. When separated, it's a colourless, odourless and combustible gas suitable for marine use. Most hydrogen today is produced via steam methane reforming (SMR), which emits CO2. To reduce carbon emissions, "blue hydrogen" is created by capturing and storing CO2 during production with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
Green Hydrogen: Unlike blue hydrogen, which relies on fossil fuels and carbon capture, green hydrogen is produced through a clean pathway—electrolysis. This process uses renewable electricity sources to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, aligning with the fossil fuels phase-out objectives and offering a sustainable pathway to a zero-carbon future.
Ammonia: Ammonia is a carbon-free mixture with diverse industrial applications. It can be produced in various ways, including grey (from natural gas), blue (from natural gas with carbon capture), and green (from renewable sources) pathways. Grey ammonia, the most common type, emits significant CO2 during production, whereas blue ammonia, produced using carbon capture, is a cleaner alternative. Ammonia has the potential to serve as a direct marine fuel or be reconverted back into hydrogen for combustion.
Green Ammonia: Produced using green hydrogen from renewable energy sources, green ammonia boasts a zero-carbon footprint. However, its widespread adoption faces challenges due to the substantial cost and energy requirements of large-scale chemical plants.
Challenges and considerations
While these alternative fuels hold great promise, several challenges and considerations must be addressed for a successful transition. Methanol and LPG are economically feasible but come with environmental concerns, especially when sourced from fossil origins.
Additionally, methanol's higher market price and slower maturation raise doubts about its immediate uptake.
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and fully electric systems represent zero-emission options when connected with renewable energy sources. However, they grapple with limited production capacity, high costs, and applicability to a restricted number of vessel types due to energy density and storage challenges.
Several factors cause uncertainty in choosing the right alternative fuel, including energy density, capital cost, global availability, infrastructure, GHG emissions and technology readiness for ship engines. Cost considerations encompass production, storage and transportation expenses. LNG currently stands as the most cost-effective alternative, with green hydrogen expected to become competitive by 2030.
Furthermore, infrastructure development is vital, as many ports lack the facilities required for alternative fuels. While LNG bunkering infrastructure is growing, ammonia and hydrogen infrastructure remains limited, posing logistical challenges.
Toward a sustainable future
As the maritime industry embarks on its journey toward sustainability, comprehensive criteria are essential for informed decision-making. These criteria should consider the economic, environmental and social aspects that align with the goals of both decarbonisation and long-term sustainability.
Both fossil and renewable pathways are under critical assessment for long-term decarbonisation strategies in the shipping industry.
While each alternative fuel option presents unique challenges, it's evident that LNG, with its proven efficiency and evolving technology, emerges as a strong transitional fuel candidate. It promises to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and operational feasibility, serving as a reliable beacon guiding the way to a greener, sustainable maritime ecosystem.
In conclusion, the maritime industry's shift toward cleaner and more sustainable fuels is pivotal for mitigating climate change and reducing environmental impacts. The adoption of alternative marine fuels, alongside innovative vessel designs and efficient operations, holds the key to a brighter and more environmentally responsible future for the industry.
Capt Md Towhidul Islam is the Terminal Superintendent at SUMMIT LNG FSRU. Email: towhidul.islam@summitlng.com.bd
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
