In a significant stride towards decarbonizing the maritime sector, a recent study led by Cong Wang from the School of Maritime Economics and Management at Dalian Maritime University in China has shed light on the optimal alternative fuel configurations for dual-fuel ships. Published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, the research provides a comprehensive environmental and economic assessment of various fuel options under the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulations.
The study, which employs a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework, evaluates the environmental benefits and economic feasibility of fossil-based, bio-based, and renewable electricity-based alternative fuels. The findings are clear: traditional fuel combinations like very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) with marine gas oil (MGO) or methanol (MEOH) fall short of meeting the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity targets set for 2025–2050. Only the combinations of VLSFO with electrolytic liquid hydrogen (E-LH2) and electrolytic ammonia (E-NH3) meet the regulatory standards.
From a commercial perspective, the study highlights that while e-fuels—fuels produced using renewable electricity—come with higher annual costs, the EU compliance penalties for fossil fuels are set to rise exponentially. This economic dynamic is expected to drive a sector-wide transition towards e-fuel-dominated energy structures by 2050. “E-fuels retain long-term cost advantages, ultimately driving a sector-wide transition toward e-fuel-dominated energy structures by 2050,” the study notes.
The superior environmental performance and regulatory compatibility of e-fuels emerge as the core drivers of this maritime energy transition. For maritime professionals, this research underscores the importance of strategic planning and investment in alternative fuel technologies. The shift towards e-fuels presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly in terms of infrastructure development and operational adjustments.
As the maritime industry navigates the complexities of the FuelEU Maritime regulations, the insights from this study provide a valuable roadmap for stakeholders. The transition to cleaner fuels is not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic business decision that can position companies at the forefront of the maritime energy revolution.