CONCEPT AND PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF HYDROGEN FUEL IN MARITIME TRANSPORT

Abstract

The shipping industry is a significant source of global greenhouse gas emissions, so finding sustainable and low-carbon alternative fuels is crucial to reduce its environmental impact. Hydrogen is emerging as a promising fuel for shipping due to its high energy density, zero emissions, and the possibility of production from renewable sources. However, the use of hydrogen as a fuel in shipping requires significant infrastructure development and technological advances in hydrogen production, storage and transportation. In addition, the cost and availability of hydrogen fuel remain the main barriers to its widespread adoption in shipping. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of using hydrogen as an environmentally friendly fuel for shipping make it an area of growing interest and investment. Hydrogen fuel is increasingly becoming a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels for ships. It is a clean and renewable energy source that produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a desirable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Six percent of the world's natural gas and two percent of coal are currently used to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen can be used as a zero-emission fuel, but the production of the gas itself is not a low-carbon process if fossil fuels are used to produce it. Nevertheless, experts believe that hydrogen is a fuel solution for shipping. Even today, leading scientists and experienced ship operation and design professionals are calling for the wider use of hydrogen as a fuel, which will ultimately help the maritime industry achieve its goal of reducing emissions through the use of non-fossil fuels. This article explores the potential of hydrogen fuel for ships, including its benefits, challenges and current status.