Assessment of the possibilities for selected alternative fuels for the maritime sector

Other conference contribution, 2017

There is still a lack of information on the possibilities for different alternative marine fuels. This study analyse the possibilities for selected alternative fuels for the maritime sector in 2030 by conducting a multi-criteria decision analysis. The method Analytic Hierarchy Process is used and the value and preferences of stakeholders from the shipping sector are considered. The study also includes a synthesis of knowledge on alternative marine fuels. Liquefied natural gas (LNG), natural gas and biomass based methanol (NG-MeOH, Bio-MeOH) as well as renewable energy based hydrogen are included. Ten different criteria spanning over economic, technical, environmental and social aspects are considered e.g., fuel price, operational cost, fuel supply, climate change, acidification and safety. As a common group the stakeholders put economic criteria highest, followed by social, environmental and technical criteria. The ranking of the fuels differs somewhat between the four different stakeholder groups. Renewable hydrogen followed by Bio-MeOH or LNG is the most preferred fuel for all groups and NG-MeOH the least preferred - except for the ship owners where LNG is most preferred. However, additional analyses are needed before any firm conclusions of the final fuel ranking can be made.