HYDROGEN AS A FUEL FOR SHORT SEA SHIPPING. PART 2: ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT, SAFETY, REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND MULTI-CRITERIA APPLICABILITY ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This paper is the second part of a study on the applicability of hydrogen as a marine fuel in short sea shipping. An environmental well-to-wake assessment is carried out, showing that when hydrogen has a certified low-carbon origin, the reduction of life-cycle emissions exceeds 80% compared with a reference diesel system. The economic indicators of hydrogen energy systems – levelized cost of hydrogen, capital and operating expenditures, total cost of ownership – are systematised in comparison with conventional and alternative options, taking into account the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System and the FuelEU Maritime regulation. The safety concept, the methods for hazard identification and quantitative risk assessment, as well as the state of the regulatory framework of the IMO, the European Union and the classification societies are examined. A multi-criteria framework for assessing the applicability of hydrogen on a specific route is formulated, comprising fourteen criteria in five groups with a formalised composite index. The framework is applied illustratively to a hypothetical route in the western Black Sea, identifying the critical areas that must be addressed for successful implementation is a precondition for successful implementation.