Holistic investigation of hydrogen as an alternative fuel (technological)

• Main Author: Yew, Ming Jie
• Other Authors: Chiu Sai Hoi, Benson
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2022
• Subjects: Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/163534
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

With industries around the world transitioning towards a greener future, the maritime industry is no different with plans to ensure that its future is a sustainable one. There are many discussions about the different ways the maritime industry can adopt to reduce GHG emissions and decarbonize maritime transportation. Notably, alternative fuels like hydrogen were one of the options that could effectively reduce GHG emissions in the long term. The objective of this report is to evaluate the technological feasibility of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in the maritime industry by conducting a holistic lifecycle assessment of hydrogen. The report aims to provide information and greater clarity on hydrogen and the possible pathways for Singapore and Indonesia to take in the future. To better understand the technological complexities of the hydrogen value chain, both primary and secondary data were collected to ensure more comprehensive and consistent findings. Primary data was collected from the interviews conducted with specific professionals in different areas of the maritime industry while secondary data consists of literature from various sources and a survey that was completed by professionals across the maritime industry for corroboration and cross-referencing. The interviewees are Mr. Josiah Eng from Siemens Energy, Mr. Tsuyoshi Yuri and Mr. Seokho Yoon from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Mr. Samuel Lee from PSA. By analysing the data collected, the report has found that the existing hydrogen value chain will be transformed in the next few decades in areas like production, storage, and applications. Furthermore, hydrogen can become an important fuel in the future once it overcomes key challenges like adequate infrastructure, commercially available supply, and alignment within the maritime industry. The implementation of hydrogen can be further supported by the actions taken by the respective governments and other stakeholders. For the greater adoption of hydrogen, the author has provided various recommendations that will become key enablers in shaping the hydrogen ecosystem in Singapore and Indonesia. The recommendations include greater government involvement in the implementation of comprehensive hydrogen policies and carbon pricing schemes, major shipping companies setting the stage for hydrogen development and usage in the maritime industry, and the development of comprehensive technical standards by regulatory agencies. The recommendations listed will form the basis of the proposed pathways for Singapore and Indonesia in 2030 and 2050.