Life cycle framework construction and quantitative assessment for the hydrogen fuelled ships: a case study

• Main Authors: Wang, Zhe, Zhao, Fan, Dong, Bo, Wang, Dongxing, Ji, Yulong, Cai, Wenjian, Han, Fenghui
• Other Authors: Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Maritime studies; Life Cycle Assessment; Hydrogen Fuelled Ships
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/172032
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The integration of hydrogen energy into the maritime industry requires a comprehensive evaluation of the life cycle of hydrogen fuel, encompassing all stages from production to operational use in ships. This research aims to analyze the entire technology chain of marine hydrogen fuel. Six methods of hydrogen production, including steam methane reforming, coal gasification, coke oven gas, propane dehydrogenation, water electrolysis, and biomass gasification, are evaluated with regard to their energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and economic cost. The life cycle assessment is divided into two processes: hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel cell ship application. Calculations are based on a real-world case study of Dalian Port in China. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to assess the impact of various ship-specific conditions, such as speed, route distance, and transportation conditions, on the performance of hydrogen fuel-powered ships. The findings indicate that the current power cost structure does not necessarily make electrolytic hydrogen production the most environmentally responsible option. In the long-range route, the life cycle cost of water electrolysis is 2.49×106USD. Among the six methods, coke oven gas hydrogen supply method produces the highest carbon emissions. The optimal sailing speed of hydrogen fuel cell ships is between 14 and 14.5kn.