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In the final article of our series, Navigating the Future, we explore hydrogen in maritime shipping. Previous pieces covered “Sustainable Fuels in Maritime Shipping”, “LNG”, “Green methanol”, and “Ammonia”. For sustainable fuel tech enthusiasts, it’s clear that green methanol and ammonia both rely on green hydrogen as a building block. But hydrogen also stands on its own as a zero-emission fuel. Let’s dive into hydrogen’s potential in the shipping industry!
“To understand hydrogen’s potential role in shipping, it helps to start with its basics. We’ve written a few articles before that can help you understand the different production methods, the value chain and innovation landscape; “Hydrogen for dummies” and “Should we get hy? Analysing 60 start-ups in the hydrogen realm”. Is this familiar territory? Read on!”
The green hydrogen value chain includes production, storage, transportation, and end use—often in fuel cells that generate electricity with only water vapour as a byproduct. This clean process holds appeal across industries, from shipping to power generation, district heating, and beyond.
A core challenge for hydrogen as a shipping fuel is its low volumetric energy density. Ships have limited space, and hydrogen’s lower energy density per volume impacts storage needs and vessel design. Currently, two primary storage methods for hydrogen are at an advanced Technology Readiness Level (TRL): compressed hydrogen (stored at high pressures, 350-700 bars) and liquid hydrogen, which requires ultra-low temperatures (-253 °C) Even in liquid form—more energy dense than gas—hydrogen has roughly a quarter of the energy density of diesel, necessitating larger storage tanks that could reduce cargo space and impact ship design.
While traditional gas and liquid hydrogen storage methods have limitations, new storage technologies are emerging that may better suit shipping needs. Solid-state hydrogen has the potential to store hydrogen more densely, increasing its volumetric energy density and improving safety by minimising the risks of leaks or explosions. Similarly, Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) can offer safe, relatively easy-to-transport options but with somewhat lower energy density – approximately 25% less energy dense compared to liquid hydrogen. These solutions show promising results, though commercial availability is still limited, and they require further R&D to address challenges in weight, release speed, and storage infrastructure.
The cost of hydrogen is projected to decrease significantly by 2030–2050 according to a recent report by Mckinsey, with substantial regional differences likely to shape global supply chains. Regions with access to cost-competitive natural gas and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), such as the Middle East, Norway, and the United States, are expected to be highly competitive. Additionally, areas rich in low-cost renewable energy—including Australia and North Africa—could supply up to 60% of exports at costs between $1.50 and $2.00 per kilogram. For the shipping industry, this emerging network of cost-effective hydrogen and hydrogen-derivative export hubs could mean more accessible, competitively priced fuel, helping hydrogen-based options compete with traditional fuels as infrastructure scales up. However, regional price differentials might still pose challenges in balancing hydrogen supply with the demand needed to support a global shift in maritime fuel.
Despite these challenges, several initiatives are leading the way in exploring hydrogen’s role in maritime transportation. For instance, Norway’s MF Hydra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry, demonstrates the potential of hydrogen in short-sea shipping. Similarly, Future Proof Shipping in the Netherlands is working on hydrogen-powered inland vessels, showing how hydrogen can reduce emissions in specific sectors.
While hydrogen shows potential as a zero-emission fuel, its low energy density and high production costs make it less suitable for long-haul shipping. Green ammonia and green methanol, with their higher energy densities, offer more practical solutions for deep-sea shipping, leveraging existing fuel infrastructure for easier integration. However, hydrogen may play a valuable role in short-sea shipping and port operations, where lower energy demands make it feasible. Still, green ammonia and methanol, both molecules with hydrogen atoms as their cornerstone, also require careful handling to avoid greenhouse gas emissions in production. By balancing hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels, the industry can move towards a cleaner, more sustainable shipping future!
Enthusiastic about this topic? Contact us at info@platformzero.co and we can tell you more about it!
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