Hazard Identification of Hydrogen-Based Alternative Fuels Onboard Ships

Journal article (2023)

Authors

E.S. Van Rheenen Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
E.L. Scheffers Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.J. Zwaginga Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
K. Visser Ship Design, Production and Operations - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Research Group
Ship Design, Production and Operations (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2023 E.S. Van Rheenen, E.L. Scheffers, J.J. Zwaginga, K. Visser
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416818
More Info
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Published Date

2023

Language

English

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Marine and Transport Technology

Research Group

Ship Design, Production and Operations

Abstract

It is essential to use alternative fuels if we are to reach the emission reduction targets set by the IMO. Hydrogen carriers are classified as zero-emission, while having a higher energy density (including packing factor) than pure hydrogen. They are often considered as safe alternative fuels. The exact definition of what safety entails is often lacking, both for hydrogen carriers as well as for ship safety. The aim of this study is to review the safety of hydrogen carriers from two perspectives, investigating potential connections between the chemical and maritime approaches to safety. This enables a reasoned consideration between safety aspects and other design drivers in ship design and operation. The hydrogen carriers AB, NaBH4, KBH4 and two LOHCs (NEC and DBT) are taken into consideration, together with a couple reference fuels (ammonia, methanol and MDO). After the evaluation of chemical properties related to safety and the scope of the current IMO safety framework, it can be concluded that safety remains a vague and non-explicit concept from both perspectives. Therefore, further research is required to prove the safe application of hydrogen carriers onboard ships.