Compatibility Analysis of Hydrogen Infrastructure and Ship Bunkering Needs

Abstract

The EU set ambiguous targets of reducing GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and becoming carbon neutral (net zero) by 2050. There are a number of technical solutions to meet those regulations. As there is no relevant battery electric option for decarbonizing the deep-sea shipping sector, the synthetic fuels, ammonia, hydrogen and biofuels are the most realistic low-carbon alternatives. Hydrogen is particularly important and rapidly developing pillar of the energy transition, as hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources emits zero CO2.

The crucial factor limiting applying hydrogen as a ship fuel might be lack of bunkering infrastructure in the ports. Due to high uncertainty of demand, investments into hydrogen bunkering infrastructure are still risky and therefore vague. The aim of research is to examine hydrogen as a ship fuel demand scenarios and evaluate capacities of various hydrogen bunkering infrastructure configurations. To achieve this aim hydrogen bunkering capacities mathematical model was designed, and case study for Klaipeda Seaport was developed.

The results of the research show that operational aspects are critically important, determining technical configuration of bunkering system. These results might be used for further research involving hydrogen fuelled ship prototypes.