Life cycle and techno-economic analysis of hydrogen-based ship propulsion concepts in light of future regulatory environments

The shipping sector faces ongoing challenges in developing pathways to net-zero emission concepts. Hydrogen as an energy carrier offers the opportunity to provide a low- to zero-emission solution, depending on the fuel production pathway. However, high production costs as well as logistical challenges in transporting the fuel globally hinder the economic competitiveness compared to current fossil fuel alternatives. To enable a faster adoption of zero-emission concepts, regulators such as the European Union and the International Maritime Organization have developed mechanisms that provide financial incentives and regulatory specifications. This paper investigates hydrogen-based propulsion concepts for the use case of a short-sea RoPax ferry and a deep-sea liquid hydrogen carrier. System models of different propulsion concepts are used to model their techno-economic performance under different well-to-tank hydrogen production and supply pathways. The proposed IMO GHG Fuel Intensity standards and corresponding penalties/incentives are included in the techno-economic comparison. Results are compared to a fossil-fueled baseline case and a battery-electric benchmark.