The world is currently experiencing a shift towards more sustainable and clean energy sources. As a result, the prospects of marine fuels in the future have come under scrutiny with questions being asked about their sustainability.
In this article, we will examine the potential of marine fuels and whether they can truly be seen as a viable option for the future of the maritime industry.
Marine fuels, which are also known as bunker fuels, are used to power ships and vessels. Traditionally, these fuels have been derived from fossil fuels, such as heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel oil (MDO) and marine gas oil (MGO).
The use of these fossil fuels has become unsustainable, as they are not only finite resources but also contribute significantly to the emissions of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for climate change.
The Alternatives
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led the industry to explore other options, including alternative and renewable energy sources. Among these alternatives are biofuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and hydrogen.
1. Biofuels
Biofuels are derived from organic matter such as waste oils, animal fats or plant matter. They are considered renewable energy sources because they can be produced much faster than fossil fuels.
Biofuels have significant setbacks including the competition they create with food production and the potential environmental damage caused by intensive farming. As a result, they are not considered a long-term solution towards sustainable marine fuels.
2. Liquefied Natural Gas
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is considered one of the most viable alternative fuels for the maritime industry. It is a clean energy source that produces fewer emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.
However, there are also challenges associated with using LNG. One of these challenges is the high cost of conversion for existing vessels. Additionally, there is a lack of infrastructure for the production, storage, and transport of LNG.
3. Hydrogen
Another alternative that has been explored for marine fuels is hydrogen. Hydrogen is considered the cleanest fuel option, as it produces only water vapor as a byproduct. The production and distribution of hydrogen also create relatively low levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
However, hydrogen production is both expensive and energy-intensive, and significant infrastructure development is required for its storage and distribution.
In recent times, new innovations in the prospects of marine fuels in the future have shown a lot of promise. For instance, companies are beginning to develop synthetic fuels which can be produced using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Looking for reliable ship chandler services? Look no further! Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.