(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The European Union with the adoption of the European Green Deal has signalled its engagement towards becoming a carbon-free economy. In this context, EMSA is supporting the maritime stakeholders by providing technologically neutral studies on potential alternative fuels and power solutions for shipping. This report is the last one of a series of studies produced in 2022, 2023 and 2024 covering the Potential use of Biofuels, Potential of Ammonia as fuel and Potential of Hydrogen as fuel, Synthetic fuels and Potential of Wind-Assisted propulsion for shipping.
Some solutions for decarbonisation could involve replacing fuel oil with renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. Other solutions may rely on alternative energy resources that still depend on fossil carbon, such as low carbon gas, or using non-fossil carbon resources, such as biofuels. Zero- or low-carbon ‘green’ fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, ammonia and hydrogen, are other options. However, with some of the green fuels, due to
their lower energy density, in comparison to traditional marine fuels, it might require that some vessels may need to sacrifice cargo space and have more frequent bunkering operations. This aspect, together with the higher fuel prices of the green fuels and additional cost for the fuel handling systems, could lead to financial setbacks.
The shipping sector is not the only industry whose goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; it faces competition from aviation, road transportation and other industries in the race for carbon-neutral energy. To meet its emission-reduction targets, the production of carbon-neutral fuel alternatives must increase significantly, which may bring about supply uncertainties and price fluctuations. As a result, shipowners need to consider every opportunity, such as fuel flexibility, to navigate these uncertain times.
Until now nuclear power has been used for ships mainly for military purposes and for the propulsion of icebreakers in the Arctic. However, at European level, nuclear energy has been identified as a sustainable source of energy able to assist in meeting the zero-emission goal of the EU and therefore is eligible to green sustainable financing.
Nuclear power has zero-emission during operation and low carbon during its lifecycle and research is ongoing. New applications are being studied to explore the feasibility of introducing nuclear reactors in shipping. Therefore, nuclear power for shipping seems a pathway that could be explored to contribute to the decarbonization of the sector, but it presents a series of challenges that will need first to be addressed in relation to production, safety, security, training and also liability and insurance regime.
Nuclear technology
Key to expanding the use of nuclear reactors for merchant shipping is to have the right technology available in the near future and a collaborative global effort. The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) on nuclear systems is leading the advancement of some groundbreaking reactor concepts. The goal is to develop reactors that are safer, more sustainable, less waste-producing and to use technologies that are resistant to proliferation.
Six technologies are in focus:
â– Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
â– Gas-cooled Fast Reactor (GFR)
â– Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR)
â– Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)
â– Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR)
â– Very High-Temperature Reactor (VHTR) / High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR)
For more information download below the EMSA report: Potential use of nuclear power for shipping:
Source: EMSA
