Numerical analysis and plant simulation for the maritime sector decarbonization based on hydrogen solution

It is a matter of fact that carbon dioxide emissions due to human-made activities have dramatically increased in the last thirty years. Nowadays, almost 99 percent of operating maritime vessels adopt the Internal Combustion Engine technology for propulsion. Considering the state-of-the-art technology, Heavy Fuel Oil and Marine Diesel Oil are the most commonly employed fuels, with a significant impact in terms of carbon dioxide and local pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. The International Maritime Organization has set an initial strategy in 2018, with a recent update in 2023, aiming at reducing carbon dioxide emissions efforts towards the net-zero zero around by 2050. As many technologies for both propulsion and energy storage onboard are commercially achievable, and the interest in low-carbon innovative technologies is growing rapidly, it is important to analyze all the possible solutions to find the most viable ones, taking into proper account the vessel type. Therefore, the use of a comparative methodology able to manage a large amount of data and parameters becomes fundamental to facilitate the design process. Among these technologies, renewable energy sources, advanced energy storage systems, and alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels are gaining attention. These technologies offer the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the overall environmental footprint of maritime transportation. Additionally, integrating energy-efficient practices and optimizing vessel operations can further contribute to achieving sustainability goals. Given the vast array of vessel types and the diverse requirements they entail, the research emphasizes a thorough investigation tailored to specific fleets with small to medium energy demands. In this context, the hydrogen industry emerges as a viable solution. Consequently, integrating a hydrogen plant on board ships is a significant objective of the project. The adoption of hydrogen as an energy system for electricity production offers the promise of zero emissions.