Hydrogen as Fuel in the Maritime Sector: From Production to Propulsion

The maritime sector plays a crucial role in global trade, yet its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions remains significant. The adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy solution is gaining traction to address this. This review paper delves into the opportunities and challenges of integrating hydrogen as a marine fuel. The entire hydrogen supply chain is investigated from production to end use, highlighting advancements, limitations, and potential safety risks. Key findings reveal that while hydrogen offers promise for reducing emissions, its widespread adoption requires a well-established production, storage, and distribution infrastructure. Challenges persist in large-scale storage, transportation, and bunkering, particularly in addressing space limitations and ensuring safety protocols. Propulsion systems such as internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and fuel cells show po tential for hydrogen adoption, yet further research is needed to optimize efficiency and address technical con straints. Safety considerations also appear prominently, necessitating comprehensive bunkering operations and hazard management protocols. Addressing knowledge gaps is imperative for successfully integrating hydrogen as a marine fuel. Future research should focus on optimizing storage methods, developing efficient propulsion systems, and enhancing safety measures to enhance hydrogen utilization in the maritime sector.