Evaluation of Alternative Fuels for Coastal Ferries

Andres Laasma (), Riina Otsason, Ulla Tapaninen and Olli-Pekka Hilmola
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Andres Laasma: Kihnu Veeteed AS, Papiniidu 5, 80023 Pärnu, Estonia
Riina Otsason: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Ulla Tapaninen: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Olli-Pekka Hilmola: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Union (EU) have set targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Focusing on ships above 5000 GT, their measures exclude several ship types, such as fishing vessels, offshore ships, and yachts. However, smaller ships generate 15–20% of the total GHG emissions. Multiple potential fuel alternatives are already in use or have been investigated to minimize carbon emissions for coastal ferries. This study evaluates the possibility of using alternative fuels for small ferries by seven different parameters: technical readiness, presence of regulations, GHG emission reduction effectiveness (with two different criteria), capital expenditure (Capex), operating expenditure (Opex), and ice navigation ability. The assessment is based on an evaluation of state-of-the-art literature as well as second-hand statistics and press releases. The study also reports the most recent implementations in each alternative technology area. As a result, it was found that although there are several measures with high potential for the future, the most feasible fuel alternatives for coastal ferries would be fully electric or diesel-electric hybrid solutions.

Keywords: GHG emission reduction; coastal ferries; alternative fuels; low carbon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:24:p:16841-:d:1004369

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