Liquid hydrogen as a potential decarbonisation solutions for a large cruise ship

Kurzfassung

This study examined the energy transition possibilities of a sample vessel, which is a large cruise ship. The proposed decarbonization solutions are liquid hydrogen, coupled with proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for onboard energy conversion. The focus is on these fuel cell types because of the availability of information supplied by technology providers. In the case of this cruise ship, a technical assessment has been made to compare the different scenarios based on criteria including fuel volume and weight requirement and availability of space on board; the size of the energy converter and annexed systems like batteries; the carbon emissions from the system in comparison to the use of fossil fuels. Such assessment will provide a better overview of liquid hydrogen as fuel onboard large cruise vessels and the findings of this work will serve as a base for decision-making on other cruise ships both retrofits and newbuilds. It is noteworthy that in addition to the technical assessment results, the decision-making is subject to a financial assessment to include the costs related to such energy transition.