Hydrogen as a Sustainable Fuel: Transforming Maritime Logistics

Seyedeh Azadeh Alavi-Borazjani (), Shahzada Adeel and Valentina Chkoniya ()
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Seyedeh Azadeh Alavi-Borazjani: Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Shahzada Adeel: Department of Business Education, University of Chenab, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan
Valentina Chkoniya: Aveiro Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCA) and Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-36

Abstract: The marine industry, being the backbone of world trade, is under tremendous pressure to reduce its environmental impact, mainly driven by reliance on fossil fuels and significant greenhouse gas emissions. This paper looks at hydrogen as a transformative energy vector for maritime logistics. It delves into the methods of hydrogen production, innovative propulsion technologies, and the environmental advantages of adopting hydrogen. The analysis extends to the economic feasibility of this transition and undertakes a comparative evaluation with other alternative fuels to emphasize the distinct strengths and weaknesses of hydrogen. Furthermore, based on case studies and pilot projects, this study elaborates on how hydrogen can be used in real-world maritime contexts, concluding that the combination of ammonia and green hydrogen in hybrid propulsion systems presents increased flexibility, with ammonia serving as the primary fuel while hydrogen enhances efficiency and powers auxiliary systems. This approach represents a promising solution for reducing the shipping sector’s carbon footprint, enabling the industry to achieve greater sustainability while maintaining the efficiency and scalability essential for global trade. Overall, this work bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and actionable solutions, therefore offering valuable insights into decarbonization in the maritime sector and achieving global sustainability goals.

Keywords: sustainable maritime logistics; maritime energy transition; hydrogen-powered vessels; zero-emission shipping; maritime decarbonization; European emissions trading system; nexus project (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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