Page 45 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2022
P. 45
Biofuels, which are carbon-neutral, also come with multiple of its lifetime is a challenging issue, along with other social
challenges, such as their corrosive nature, limited storage and political problems. With the development of molten salt
duration, and the conflict of their production with the food reactors, several of the current issues with water-cooled
industry. reactors will be resolved.
Hydrogen is the cleanest marine fuel available. Its production Fuel cell technology has been successfully deployed in
can also have zero emissions, but it is very energy intensive, submarines. The main reasons that hold back its spreading
expensive, and not scalable, and its storage and handling are are its high capital cost, weight, limited bunkering infra-
also challenging. These challenges could be addressed through structure, and safety issues.
an integrated reform of hydrogen production using LNG. Other renewable energy technologies, such as solar or wind
Nuclear power provides a very high fuel-to-power ratio, has power, are also available, but so far, with limited applications.
zero GHG emissions, and requires no onboard space for The challenges identified are dependence on weather condi-
bunkering. However, its economic viability should be further tions, storage space, and weight requirements. The following
examined. In addition, the disposal of uranium at the end table shows the development status of several types of fuel.
The table below shows the current availability status of storage facilities, propulsion systems, onboard
safety management systems, and the zero-carbon potential of each fuel/technology.
Fuel / Fuel Fuel storage Installation Propulsion Onboard Zero carbon
Technology production logistics system safety & fuel emission
bunkering management target
Fossil Fuels
LNG
LPG
Methanol
Ammonia
Hydrogen
Biofuels
Nuclear
Fuel Cells
Existing technology Partly available / in progress A long way to go
The diagram below shows the percentage of GHG emissions reduction by each alternative fuel.
45