ABS delivers reports to EMSA

ABS has delivered a comprehensive report to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on hydrogen as a marine fuel and wind-assisted propulsion.

A 360-degree analysis of hydrogen as a marine fuel and wind-assisted propulsion is the latest in a series of reports studying alternative fuels and decarbonization technologies for EMSA delivered by an ABS-led consortium, including CE Delft and Arcsilea.

Presented at the 2024 SMM in Hamburg, the reports assess hydrogen and wind propulsion in terms of greenhouse gas impact, sustainability, availability, scalability and safety.

Panos Koutsourakis, ABS vice president for global sustainability, said, “ABS is proud to lead the consortium that has delivered this industry-leading research. This study is the result of many months of intense activity with our consortium partners and EMSA, ultimately providing comprehensive insight into the potential of hydrogen and wind-assisted propulsion.”

Dagmar Nelissen, manager of shipping at CE Delft, said, “This project allowed us to analyze important options that will help the sector comply with upcoming GHG regulations. By providing a consistent analysis of the different options regarding their suitability, availability, sustainability, and cost implications, we aimed to offer valuable information for decision-making.”

Edwin Pang, founder of Arcsilea, added, “Each study has provided fresh insights into these promising technologies, particularly in safety, regulatory gaps, and implementation issues. We are delighted to contribute to this important work.”

The project, which has previously covered biofuels and ammonia, will also explore synthetic fuels and nuclear power. Additionally, ABS is collaborating with EMSA, the National Technical University of Athens and Fundación Valenciaport on a study about the safety of ammonia as a marine fuel.

While hydrogen presents challenges such as low energy density and high costs, it shows promise, particularly for short-sea shipping. The reports provide a detailed assessment of hydrogen’s potential as a marine fuel, aiding the maritime industry in its transition to sustainable practices.