Techno-economic analysis of decarbonization pathways for a deep-sea container vessel

This study identifies a cost-effective decarbonization strategy for a deep-sea container vessel to meet the greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union (EU). For assumed scenarios for technology availability and costs until 2040, we assess the techno-economic viability of selected energy-saving technologies and alternative fuels under regulatory constraints. Our findings indicate that, for the considered vessel type, speed reduction, air lubrication, and hull maintenance are the most cost-efficient measures to reduce GHG emissions through 2030, after which stricter regulatory thresholds make it necessary to shift to clean alternative fuels. Among the alternative fuels evaluated, we identify ammonia as the most cost-effective.