Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) is pleased to share conclusions from the recent hybrid webinar event, “SWOT-ing the potential of low- and zero-emission fuels in the maritime sector”, arranged in association with the University of Houston.
This report compares hydrogen, ammonia, biofuel and methanol, providing a SWOT Analysis for each fuel. With regards to biofuels, one of the main strengths of this alternative fuel is the compatibility with the existing main engines, as well as the existing bunkering infrastructure in the port facilities. There are no additional safety risks in comparison with traditional marine fuels and as the technical characteristics are similar to traditional fossil fuels, the existing main engine does not require major modification for use.
In addition, biofuel alone can be consumed onboard, or it can be dropped in and blended with conventional marine fuel oil.
Low/ zero and carbon neutral fuels
Biofuel and methanol are carbon-based fuels. Most of methanol is currently produced from natural gas or coal. Sustainable “green” production from biomass, or reaction of captured CO2 with H2 is also possible at higher cost. Meanwhile hydrogen has the potential to be zero-carbon marine fuel when it is consumed in a fuel cell or into mono-fuel internal combustion engines.
Storage capacity onboard
Due to low energy content, ammonia requires bigger storage tanks and its location is one of the most critical design factors. Cargo capacity of the vessel is expected to decrease based on the use of an ammonia ICE or ammonia fuel cell arrangement.
However, although biofuels can be used with minimal retrofit cost on vessels, actual cost of fuel may be higher as feedstock may represent as much as 75% of the production cost.
