Progress on Research and Application of Energy and Power Systems for Inland Waterway Vessels: A Case Study of the Yangtze River in China

Yanqi Liu, Yichao He, Junjie Liang, Yanlin Cao, Zhenming Liu, Chaojie Song () and Neng Zhu ()
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Yanqi Liu: CSSC International Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100121, China
Yichao He: CSSC International Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 100121, China
Junjie Liang: School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
Yanlin Cao: CSSC Planning & Developing Research Center, Beijing 100121, China
Zhenming Liu: Yantai CIMC BLUE Ocean Technology Co., Ltd., Yantai 264000, China
Chaojie Song: Ulsan Ship and Ocean College, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
Neng Zhu: School of Automotive and Transportation Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-29

Abstract: This study focuses on the power systems of inland waterway vessels in Chinese Yangtze River, systematically outlining the low-carbon technology pathways for different power system types. A comparative analysis is conducted on the technical feasibility, emission reduction potential, and economic viability of LNG, methanol, ammonia, pure electric and hybrid power systems, revealing the bottlenecks hindering the large-scale application of each system. Key findings indicate that: (1) LNG and methanol fuels offer significant short-term emission reductions in internal combustion engine power systems, yet face constraints from methane slip and insufficient green methanol production capacity, respectively; (2) ammonia enables zero-carbon operations but requires breakthroughs in combustion stability and synergistic control of NO X ; (3) electric vessels show high decarbonization potential, but battery energy density limits their range, while PEMFC lifespan constraints and SOFC thermal management deficiencies impede commercialization; (4) hybrid/range-extended power systems, with superior energy efficiency and lower retrofitting costs, serve as transitional solutions for existing vessels, though challenged by inadequate energy management strategies and multi-equipment communication protocol interoperability. A phased transition pathway is proposed: LNG/methanol engines and hybrid systems dominate during 2025–2030; ammonia-powered systems and solid-state batteries scale during 2030–2035; post-2035 operations achieve zero-carbon shipping via green hydrogen/ammonia.

Keywords: inland waterway vessels; energy and power systems; low-carbon fuels; zero-carbon fuels; electric power; hybrid power; range-extended power (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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