Hazard Identification of Hydrogen-Based Alternative Fuels Onboard Ships

Erin van Rheenen (), Evelien Scheffers, Jesper Zwaginga and Klaas Visser
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Erin van Rheenen: Department of Maritime and Transport Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Evelien Scheffers: Department of Maritime and Transport Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Jesper Zwaginga: Department of Maritime and Transport Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
Klaas Visser: Department of Maritime and Transport Technology, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: It is essential to use alternative fuels if we are to reach the emission reduction targets set by the IMO. Hydrogen carriers are classified as zero-emission, while having a higher energy density (including packing factor) than pure hydrogen. They are often considered as safe alternative fuels. The exact definition of what safety entails is often lacking, both for hydrogen carriers as well as for ship safety. The aim of this study is to review the safety of hydrogen carriers from two perspectives, investigating potential connections between the chemical and maritime approaches to safety. This enables a reasoned consideration between safety aspects and other design drivers in ship design and operation. The hydrogen carriers AB, NaBH 4 , KBH 4 and two LOHCs (NEC and DBT) are taken into consideration, together with a couple reference fuels (ammonia, methanol and MDO). After the evaluation of chemical properties related to safety and the scope of the current IMO safety framework, it can be concluded that safety remains a vague and non-explicit concept from both perspectives. Therefore, further research is required to prove the safe application of hydrogen carriers onboard ships.

Keywords: safety; hydrogen carriers; hazard identification; marine transportation; marine engineering; alternative fuels; methanol; ammonia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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