Research Information System
in: Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, Springer, pp.93-126, 2025
Maritime transportation accounts for 85% of total cargo carried worldwide while emitting 2.89% of global anthropogenic emissions. Moreover, 300 million tons of fossil fuels are consumed to provide sufficient energy for the vessels, representing 5% of global fuel production. Even though the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced a greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy in 2018, fossil fuel consumption continues to pertain. Hence, stricter regulations have been introduced in the last few years. To comply with the rigorous rules, various emission abatement measures have raised attention, and alternative fuels are one of the attractive means to mitigate ship-based emissions. Despite the availability of different fuel options, hydrogen plays an essential role in achieving carbon neutrality. Therefore, this paper investigates the utilization of hydrogen regarding adoption in maritime transportation. This study examines the technical, safety, and regulatory aspects of using hydrogen on vessels. The technical aspect focuses on the applicability, storage, transportation, and current challenges of the fuel and the power system. In the safety criterion, possible risks are delved into, and the safety rules regarding ships and the crew are highlighted. The regulatory aspect of the study examines the recent and upcoming rules affecting the implementation of hydrogen fuel. The results indicate that, despite the environmental benefits of hydrogen, significant challenges remain regarding its infrastructural, technical, and safety aspects. Focusing on resolving those issues plays a vital role in the transition to hydrogen fuel.