Optimal future supply of hydrogen fuels at European ports to decarbonize shipping

Kurzfassung

Considering the future trajectory of the maritime sector and the increasing demand for sustainable fuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol are seen as the most promising candidates for decarbonization. However, there remain divergent perspectives regarding the need to identify optimal combination between production location, transport and bunkering infrastructure availability. Research gaps persist in establishing a global-scale understanding of potential demand locations for future maritime fuels, particularly when accounting for shifts in trade patterns, as well as in designing an optimal fuel supply network to satisfy this demand. Using the projected demand for hydrogen-based fuels in the future, this paper proposes a framework to assess and recommend the optimal fuel supply strategies required to decarbonize shipping by 2050. It assumes that green hydrogen will be produced in a few big hubs located near important areas with high renewable resources. This setup helps to find more efficient supply possibilities of hydrogen. The framework incorporates a techno-economic assessment of different supply methods and routes to determine the most efficient fuel supply solutions and the associated global investment requirements. This analysis aims to provide enhanced clarity for investors across the production, transportation, bunkering, and shipping sectors regarding the potential configuration of the global maritime fuel system in 2050.