Sustainable Marine Propulsion: A Review of Alternative Fuels and Propulsion Technologies
Abah MA, Oladetan JO, Oladosu MA, Agida OD and Amalagha GN
Published on: 2026-02-07
Abstract
Despite being the foundation of global trade, maritime transportation nevertheless makes a substantial contribution to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which puts pressure on the industry to decarbonize. Due to international rules and the International Maritime Organization's stringent pollution reduction goals, conventional propulsion systems that use marine diesel and heavy fuel oil are no longer feasible. This review critically analyzes sustainable maritime propulsion methods by thoroughly analyzing alternative fuels and modern propulsion technologies. By assessing their energy density, environmental performance, economic viability, safety implications, and infrastructure readiness, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, ethanol, biofuels, and synthetic e-fuels are being examined for their potential. At the same time, propulsion advances including fuel cells, nuclear propulsion, battery-electric boats, hybrid electric systems, and wind-assisted designs are evaluated for their efficacy, technological sophistication, and utility. Technology and fuel synergies are highlighted in a comparative analysis, which acknowledges that transition plans would need adaptable, multi-fuel solutions. In addition to innovation paths and policy motivators, barriers such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, ambiguous rules, and public acceptance are also examined. The research concludes that industry, policymakers, and academia must collaborate to shift the maritime sector to low-carbon, sustainable, and eventually zero-emission propulsion, even if there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Tight restrictions, focused incentives, and ongoing research and development are required to support this endeavor.
Keywords
Alternative fuel; Marine propulsion; Propulsion technology; Biofuels and Greenhouse gasIntroduction
The cornerstone of global trade is maritime transportation, which accounts for about 80% of international trade by volume and almost 70% by value [1]. Because of its cost, scalability, and effectiveness, it is crucial for global supply chains. The expansion of e-commerce, energy trade, and raw material movements has further solidified shipping's standing as the most energy-efficient mode of mass travel [2]. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the demand for shipping could increase by 40% to 100% by 2050, contingent on global economic growth and trade dynamics [3]. This projected growth emphasizes the sector's vital role in industrial progress, global prosperity, and food security.
Despite its critical economic importance, maritime transportation has a significant impact on climate change and air pollution. International shipping generates about 1,076 million tonnes of CO? per year, accounting for 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions [4]. In addition to carbon dioxide, ships emit nitrogen oxides (NO?), sulfur oxides (SO?), black carbon, and particulate matter, all of which are bad for the environment and people's health [5]. In order to lessen these consequences, the IMO has put in place a variety of regulatory measures, such as energy efficiency indices for both new and existing ships and a global sulphur cap of 0.5% that will go into effect in January 2020. The more recent 2023 IMO GHG Strategy set the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions "by or around 2050" [3], with intermediate targets of at least a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared to 2008 levels.
The marine industry is under increasing worldwide pressure to accelerate its transition to sustainability, which is why these efforts have been taken. Heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel oil (MDO) are two examples of traditional fuels that pose major challenges because of their high carbon intensity and incompatibility with long-term environmental goals. Decarbonization is not only required by law, but it is also financially and reputationally necessary as shippers, lenders, and consumers seek greener supply chains [6]. Alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biofuels provide viable ways to reduce the environmental impact of shipping in addition to advanced propulsion technologies like fuel cells, hybrid electric systems, and wind-assist devices. However, barriers to its widespread adoption include issues with fuel availability, infrastructure readiness, safety, and high capital expenditures [7]. To achieve the dual goals of maintaining the efficiency of maritime transportation while drastically reducing its environmental impact, various approaches must be investigated.
From a global perspective, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of environmentally beneficial marine propulsion options. It starts by describing the limitations of conventional propulsion technology in light of environmental and legal restrictions. A range of alternative fuels, such as LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, ethanol, biofuels, and synthetic fuels, are then examined. They are evaluated for their energy density, potential to lower emissions, scalability, safety, and economic feasibility. With an emphasis on their applicability, maturity, and integration potential, propulsion technologies such as fuel cells, nuclear propulsion, wind-assisted solutions, hybrid and battery-electric systems, and others are also covered concurrently. Comparative analysis across fuels and technologies highlights synergies, trade-offs, and transition pathways. Last but not least, the evaluation examines possible future advancements including digitization, carbon pricing, and hybrid multi-fuel systems in addition to highlighting the primary challenges, which include technological, financial, infrastructure, and societal. By integrating these elements, the study seeks to inform policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders about doable strategies to achieve the IMO's decarbonization objectives and guide the industry toward long-term sustainability.
Conventional Marine Propulsion and its Limitations
Because heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel oil (MDO) are inexpensive, readily available, and have well-established international supply chains, the maritime industry has relied on them for many years. The majority of fuel used by oceangoing vessels is HFO, a byproduct of the refining of crude oil, but MDO and marine gas oil (MGO) are frequently utilized in smaller ships and auxiliary engines [8]. These fuels are technically efficient for long-distance operations because of their high energy density. But when they burn, they release a lot of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, such as sulfur oxides (SO?), nitrogen oxides (NO?), particulate matter, and black carbon [9].
The environmental impact of traditional marine fuels is becoming more and more incompatible with the objectives of global decarbonization. International shipping contributed approximately 1,056 million tons of CO? in 2018, which accounted for 2.9% of all anthropogenic emissions worldwide [4]. Prior to legislative amendments, the high sulfur content of HFO-up to 3.5%-posed serious environmental and health hazards, such as acid rain and heart disease in coastal communities [10]. The International Maritime Organization established the worldwide sulfur cap in 2020 to lessen these effects, bringing the sulfur content of marine fuels down from the previous 3.5% limit to 0.5% m/m [4]. Together with NO? emission rules under MARPOL Annex VI, Emission Control Areas (ECAs) also enforce tougher limits of 0.1% sulfur. Although exhaust gas cleaning systems and scrubbers have been used to meet sulphur limitations, they do not address CO? emissions, and their washwater discharges have caused environmental problems [11].
Among the most thermally efficient combustion systems are marine diesel engines; in big slow-speed engines, efficiency can surpass 50% [12]. Comparing this efficiency to other forms of transportation, it results in a reduced fuel consumption per tonne-kilometer. The sector's carbon intensity is incompatible with the IMO's decarbonization standards, and its reliance on fossil fuels increases its vulnerability to fluctuations in the price of oil. Nevertheless, the environmental trade-offs are still evident. Furthermore, installing emission control technology on current fleets is expensive and might not achieve the necessary level of decarbonization. As a result, even while conventional propulsion is still technically sound and economically dominating, it is becoming more and more limited due to environmental regulations, public pressure, and the pressing need to meet global climate objectives.
Figure1: Timeline for the Reduction of Sulphur Content in Marine Fuels [13].
Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Shipping
The hunt for sustainable alternatives has escalated due to the constraints of traditional marine fuels and strict environmental laws. Since alternative fuels have the ability to drastically cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants, they are essential to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decarbonization agenda [4]. The energy density, lifecycle emissions, infrastructural requirements, and safety considerations of these fuels vary greatly, which makes their adoption context-dependent [14]. While some, like liquefied natural gas (LNG), offer short-term compliance benefits, others such as hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels promise long-term pathways toward zero-carbon shipping [7]. In order to promote sustainable marine propulsion, this section examines the main alternative fuels that are being considered, stressing both their advantages and disadvantages.

Figure 2: Fuel Mix Evolution between 2015 and 2035 for 80% Carbon Factor Reduction [15].
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Because it emits less sulfur, NO?, and particulates than heavy fuel oil, LNG has become more popular as a maritime fuel [16]. It makes it possible to comply with the NO? and sulphur criteria of MARPOL Annex VI without requiring a lot of exhaust after-treatment. However, LNG is not carbon-neutral; methane leak during production, transportation, and combustion counteracts much of its climatic benefits because of methane's great potential for global warming, and its combustion releases CO?. Although LNG offers a temporary solution, its long-term use is up for dispute, especially as the sector works to achieve complete decarbonization.
Hydrogen
Because hydrogen can be utilized in fuel cells to produce water vapor as the only combustion byproduct, it is regarded as a key component of zero-emission shipping. The most ecological alternative is green hydrogen, which is created by electrolyzing renewable electricity; nevertheless, its supply is currently limited and its production costs are expensive [17]. The need for cryogenic tanks at -253°C or high-pressure systems for storage, as well as safety hazards including flammability and leaking, are major obstacles [18]. The most promising uses of hydrogen are in short-haul shipping and as a raw material for derivative fuels like methanol and ammonia.
Ammonia
Since ammonia has no carbon and can be made from renewable hydrogen and nitrogen, it is gaining a lot of attention as a zero-carbon fuel. Although still lower than traditional fuels, its volumetric energy density is higher than hydrogen's, making storage and transportation simpler. Toxicology, corrosiveness, and handling safety hazards are the primary disadvantages [19]. NO? is another byproduct of ammonia combustion that needs to be reduced by aftertreatment or engine optimization. Several engine manufacturers are working on ammonia-ready propulsion systems in spite of these obstacles, and pilot projects should be completed by the late 2020s.
Methanol and Ethanol
Fuels derived from alcohol, such methanol and ethanol, have the advantages of being compatible with current fuel infrastructure and being easy to store. In example, methanol is being embraced by a number of transportation companies and can be utilized in modified internal combustion engines [20]. Methanol can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions when it is generated using renewable resources, such as biomass or collected CO? with green hydrogen [21]. However, ethanol and methanol require more storage space since they have lower energy densities than HFO.
Bio-Fuels
An immediate fix that works with current engines is marine biofuels made from waste oils, lignocellulosic material, and algae. Depending on the feedstock and production routes, they provide lifecycle carbon reductions. Scalability is an issue, though, because there is a limited supply of sustainable biomass worldwide and it faces rivalry from land-based sectors like agriculture and aviation [22]. In order to prevent indirect land use change and guarantee real carbon savings, certification and sustainability requirements will be essential.
Synthetic and E-Fuels
Green hydrogen, CO2 extracted from the environment, and renewable electricity are used to create synthetic fuels, or e-fuels. These consist of synthetic LNG, e-methanol, and e-diesel. Although technically promising, the inefficiency of the power-to-liquid (PtL) process makes their manufacture extremely energy-intensive and expensive at the moment [23]. E-fuels may offer scalable carbon-neutral alternatives as carbon capture technology develop and renewable electricity sources proliferate, particularly for long-distance shipping where a high energy density is necessary.
Comparative Analysis
Alternative fuels' energy density, ability to reduce emissions, affordability, and infrastructural readiness all influence their relative potential. Although LNG is not completely decarbonized, it offers instant compliance benefits. Although they have long-term potential, hydrogen and ammonia have infrastructure and safety issues. While e-fuels are a potential solution that depends on the widespread use of renewable energy, methanol and biofuels provide scalability in the near term. With various fuels catering to various vessel types and trade routes, the future fuel mix is anticipated to be diversified and transitional in light of these dynamics [24].
Table 1: Comparative Summary of Alternative Fuels for Marine Propulsion.
|
Fuel |
Energy Density (MJ/kg) |
GHG Reduction Potential |
Key Barriers |
Technology Readiness |
References |
|
LNG |
~50 |
~20% vs. HFO |
Methane slip, fossil dependency |
High |
[25] |
|
Hydrogen (green) |
120 (compressed) |
Near zero |
Storage, cost, safety, infrastructure |
Low–Medium |
[26] |
|
Ammonia |
18.6 |
Zero-carbon fuel |
Toxicity, NOx, infrastructure gaps |
Low |
[7,17] |
|
Methanol |
20–23 |
Moderate–High |
Cost, infrastructure, feedstock |
Medium |
[27] |
|
Biofuels |
16–40 |
Variable, lifecycle-based |
Scalability, land-use conflicts |
Medium |
[22] |
|
Synthetic fuels |
40–45 |
Potentially zero (if renewable) |
High cost, early-stage technology |
Low |
[7,23] |
Alternative Propulsion Technologies
While alternative fuels play a central role in shipping decarbonization, achieving IMO’s 2050 targets also requires innovations in propulsion technologies. Advances in electrification, hybridization, wind-assist devices, fuel cells, and even nuclear power provide complementary or stand-alone solutions that can enhance efficiency and enable the use of low- or zero-carbon fuels [7]. These technologies vary in maturity, cost, and operational suitability, but together they form an evolving toolbox for sustainable marine propulsion.
Hybrid Propulsion Systems
Hybrid systems maximize efficiency and minimize pollution by combining traditional engines with alternative energy sources like electricity or LNG. Ferries, offshore support vessels, and short-sea transportation are especially well-suited for diesel-electric and LNG-electric hybrids [28]. Hybrids save fuel consumption, enhance engine load profiles, and make it possible to comply with more stringent emission control area (ECA) regulations by distributing power demand between internal combustion engines (ICEs) and energy storage systems.
Battery-Electric Propulsion
In internal waterways, passenger ferries, and short-sea transport, where travel distances are constrained and charging infrastructure is practical, battery-electric propulsion has grown in popularity. With noteworthy installations in Norway's fleet of electric ferries, developments in lithium-ion technology have increased energy density and decreased costs [31]. However, weight and storage limitations make battery-electric propulsion unscalable for deep-sea transport [23].
Fuel Cells
High efficiency and versatility are provided by fuel cells, especially solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which may use fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. Because of their quick reaction times, PEMFCs are ideal for smaller ships and shorter distances, whereas SOFCs hold promise for larger ships because of their greater efficiency and fuel flexibility [26]. Pilot projects in Europe and Asia show increasing commercial interest despite high capital costs and little marine expertise [7].
Wind-Assisted Propulsion
Rigid sails, kites, and rotor sails are examples of wind-assisted propulsion technology that use renewable wind energy to cut gasoline usage. Depending on the type of vessel, the route, and the wind, these technologies can reduce fuel use by 5–20% [29]. Contemporary wind-assist technologies are made to work in tandem with current propulsion, providing a low-carbon retrofit alternative that lowers operating costs and helps achieve emission reduction goals.
Nuclear Propulsion
Nuclear propulsion has an unparalleled energy density and almost low operational emissions, and it is already used in naval and icebreaking vessels [30]. However, major obstacles have so far kept its commercial implementation in merchant shipping at bay, including safety concerns, high upfront costs, regulatory complexity, and public opposition. Nuclear shipping as a long-term decarbonization route may be brought back into the spotlight by research on small modular reactors (SMRs).
Table 2: Comparative Summary of Propulsion Technologies.
|
Technology |
Efficiency (%) |
Advantages |
Limitations |
Best Applications |
References |
|
Battery-electric |
70–90 |
Zero local emissions, high efficiency |
Limited range, heavy batteries |
Ferries, short-sea |
[31] |
|
Fuel cells (PEM/SOFC) |
40–60 |
High efficiency, zero emissions (if green fuel) |
High CAPEX, durability issues |
Ferries, new builds |
[26] |
|
Hybrid (diesel-electric, LNG-electric) |
45–55 |
Flexible, efficient, retrofit-friendly |
Complex systems, medium CAPEX |
Cargo, offshore supply |
[32] |
|
Wind-assisted |
N/A |
5–20% fuel saving, renewable |
Weather dependence, retrofit costs |
Bulk carriers, tankers |
[29] |
|
Nuclear |
>90 |
Zero operational emissions, long endurance |
Safety, social resistance, regulation |
Large ocean-going ships |
[30] |
Comparative Assessment and Integration
Complementary propulsion technologies are critical to the decarbonization potential of alternative fuels. For example, fuel cells offer higher efficiency and zero emissions at the time of use, but hydrogen can also be used directly in fuel cells or adapted internal combustion engines [26]. Although safety and toxicity are still issues, ammonia is thought to be a potential fuel for SOFCs because of its versatility [33]. Methanol provides a feasible option to adapt existing vessels because it may be burned in modified ICEs or utilized in high-temperature fuel cells [27]. Methane slip jeopardizes the long-term viability of LNG's existing use with dual-fuel ICEs [16]. According to lifecycle assessments (LCA), if obtained responsibly, biofuels and e-fuels can drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions; nevertheless, their scalability is limited by the cost of production and the availability of feedstock [22]. Although they are limited to short ranges, battery-electric systems have the highest well-to-propeller efficiency (~70-90%). Although fuel cells are more efficient than internal combustion engines (ICEs) (~35-45%), they are still costly and technically undeveloped for deep-sea applications. Effective transitional solutions, wind-assisted systems offer further fuel savings of 5-20% [29] Reliability and safety continue to be major obstacles to broad adoption. While hydrogen needs to be stored in cryogenic or high-pressure environments with stringent leak control measures, ammonia presents toxicity hazards to port workers and crew [33]. Although LNG infrastructure is increasingly sophisticated, methane leaks during operations and bunkering are a possibility [16]. Despite having an unmatched energy density, nuclear propulsion is opposed by the public and has regulatory issues. Operationally, battery-electric and hybrid systems increase mobility and redundancy, while wind-assist devices provide little operational concerns but must be carefully included into ship routing and design.
Table 3: Comparative Summary of Alternative Fuels and Propulsion Technologies.
|
Fuel/Technology |
Efficiency (%) |
GHG Reduction Potential |
Key Barriers |
Technology Readiness |
References |
|
Battery-electric |
70–90 |
Zero at point of use |
Range, charging, battery mass |
High (short-sea) |
[31] |
|
Fuel cells (PEM, SOFC) |
40–60 |
High (if green fuels) |
Cost, durability, infrastructure |
Medium |
[26] |
|
LNG (dual-fuel ICEs) |
35–45 |
~20% vs. HFO |
Methane slip, fossil dependency |
High |
[16] |
|
Hydrogen (fuel cells) |
40–60 |
Zero (if green hydrogen) |
Storage, safety, cost |
Low–Medium |
[26,33] |
|
Ammonia (SOFC/ICE) |
~35–55 |
Zero-carbon fuel |
Toxicity, NOx emissions |
Low |
[33] |
|
Methanol (ICE/fuel cell) |
~35–50 |
Moderate–High |
Production cost, infrastructure |
Medium |
[27] |
|
Biofuels |
~30–45 |
Feedstock dependent |
Scalability, lifecycle emissions |
Medium |
[22] |
|
Wind-assisted systems |
N/A |
5–20% fuel savings |
Weather dependence, retrofitting |
Medium–High |
[29] |
|
Nuclear propulsion |
>90 |
Zero operational |
Safety, regulation, public acceptance |
Very Low |
[30] |
Barriers and Challenges
The shift to sustainable maritime propulsion is hampered by a number of intricate issues, despite the encouraging promise of alternate fuels and propulsion systems. These obstacles encompass not just technological maturity but also infrastructure readiness, legal frameworks, economic viability, and social acceptance. Determining practical strategies to decarbonize the maritime sector and directing future research, policy, and investment objectives require an understanding of these limitations.
Technical Challenges
There are significant differences in the technical maturity of propulsion systems and alternative fuels. Both ammonia and hydrogen need specific handling and storage systems; ammonia is hazardous and caustic, posing a risk to crew and port operations, while hydrogen requires cryogenic tanks or high-pressure cylinders [33]. While battery-electric systems are still only suitable for short-range applications because of their poor energy density and lengthy charging times, fuel cells are effective but have durability problems in maritime environments [31]. The short-term adoption of new fuels is limited because retrofitting existing ships for them frequently requires major design changes.
Economic Barriers
Two significant deterrents are the high capital expense (CAPEX) of alternative propulsion systems and the operational expenditure (OPEX) associated with fuel prices. At the moment, synthetic fuels, green hydrogen, and ammonia are significantly more costly than marine diesel oil (MDO) or heavy fuel oil (HFO) [7]. Comparatively speaking, modern batteries and fuel cell systems are more expensive up front than traditional diesel engines [26]. Shipowners have little financial incentive to invest in low-carbon technologies in the absence of significant subsidies, carbon pricing, or fuel incentives.
Infrastructure and Supply Chain Readiness
One major impediment is the absence of bunkering facilities and international gasoline supply chains. Similar infrastructure for hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol is still at the pilot stage and is mostly located in Europe and East Asia, but LNG bunkering facilities are growing [16]. Reliable portside charging infrastructure is necessary for battery-electric vessels, although it is currently dispersed and scarce in certain regions [31]. Long-term investment and coordinated policies across ports, shipbuilders, and fuel providers will be necessary to establish a worldwide harmonized supply chain [7].
Policy and Regulatory Gaps
Despite the IMO's ambitious goals, which include reducing shipping's overall yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, there are still few legally binding regulations on particular fuels or technologies [3]. Investment in scalable solutions is hampered by policy uncertainty since stakeholders are reluctant to commit to infrastructure until it is clear which fuels will predominate. Furthermore, scattered incentives created by regional legislation, like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for maritime transport, make worldwide adoption more difficult [11].
Social Acceptance
Another obstacle is political and social opposition. Despite its technological maturity, nuclear propulsion is strongly opposed by the public and port authorities because of worries about waste, safety, and proliferation [30]. Similarly, because of its toxicity and potential for unintentional emission, ammonia poses health and safety concerns [33]. To guarantee that alternative propulsion systems are perceived as secure, dependable, and socially conscious, stakeholders' support from regulators, shipowners, and civil society is essential.
Future Pathways and Opportunities
The marine industry is at a turning point in its development, as decarbonization strategies necessitate striking a delicate balance between immediate fixes and long-term innovation. The integration of modern propulsion technology, alternative fuels, and complementary digital and policy frameworks present potential for the future. Because of their relative maturity and suitability for current engines, LNG and biofuels are regarded as transitional solutions in the near term [16]. For regional and short-sea transport routes, methanol and battery-electric systems are also becoming viable options [31]. Long-term plans emphasize zero-carbon fuels like ammonia and green hydrogen, which are backed by fuel cell technology and synthetic fuels made from renewable electricity [7]. Deep decarbonization is made possible by combining long-term and transitional strategies, which guarantee business continuity [11]. According to Acciaro, Ghiara, and Cusano (2014), digital technologies like digital twins, big data analytics, and AI-driven energy management systems can optimize vessel operations, lower fuel usage, and make it easier to integrate alternative propulsion systems. Alternative propulsion systems become increasingly practical as a result of smart shipping concepts like autonomous navigation and predictive maintenance, which further improve efficiency and safety. Adoption will be shaped primarily by market-based and policy-based measures. Fuel mandates, carbon pricing, and emission trading programs can help close the cost difference between conventional and low-carbon fuels [11]. Investment is expected to be accelerated by regional initiatives like the EU Emissions Trading System for shipping, but widespread adoption will require internationally unified rules under the IMO [3]. R&D and infrastructure deployment can be further stimulated by public-private partnerships and government-backed subsidies [7]. Priorities for research include developing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), increasing the production of renewable fuels, and enhancing the energy density and safety of hydrogen and ammonia [26]. The potential of alternative fuels at the commercial scale is demonstrated by demonstration projects including ammonia-fueled pilot vessels in Japan and hydrogen-powered ferries in Norway [14]. These pilots enable broader deployment by offering vital data for assessing operational viability, safety, and cost performance. Multi-fuel engines and hybrid propulsion systems offer flexibility and risk reduction in light of the uncertainty surrounding future dominant fuels. A gradual shift is made possible by dual-fuel engines that can run on LNG and methanol or hydrogen and ammonia in fuel cells, preventing technological lock-in. Wind-assisted propulsion combined with batteries or fuel cells is one example of a hybrid combination that can help long-term decarbonization objectives while offering instant efficiency advantages [29].

Figure 3: Maximum Intervention Pathway [34].
Conclusion
The transition to sustainable marine propulsion is essential to meeting global climate goals, yet no single fuel or technology can address all challenges. LNG, methanol, biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia each offer unique benefits but also face technical, economic, or infrastructural barriers. Likewise, propulsion options such as fuel cells, batteries, hybrids, and wind assistance can complement but not replace conventional systems on their own. The most effective pathway lies in a flexible, multi-fuel, and hybrid approach, supported by strong policy frameworks, coordinated infrastructure development, and continued innovation. Collaboration across stakeholders will be critical to overcoming barriers and steering the maritime industry toward a low-emission future.
Table 4: Summary of key findings on sustainable marine propulsion.
|
Dimensions |
Key Findings |
|
Conventional Fuels |
HFO and MDO dominate due to energy density and cost but are major contributors to SOx, NOx, and CO? emissions; IMO regulations are phasing them out [7]. |
|
Alternative Fuels |
LNG offers short-term benefits but methane slip is problematic; hydrogen and ammonia are promising zero-carbon fuels but face storage and safety issues; methanol and biofuels are retrofit-friendly but limited by feedstock and cost; e-fuels are scalable but immature [16,22,33]. |
|
Propulsion Technologies |
Batteries viable for short-sea and ferries; fuel cells efficient but costly and immature; hybrids flexible; wind-assisted reduces fuel use; nuclear highly efficient but socially resisted [29,31]. |
|
Comparative Insights |
Each option varies in energy density, emissions reduction, cost, and readiness; no universal solution exists [7,11]. |
|
Barriers |
Technical immaturity, high CAPEX/OPEX, limited bunkering, fragmented policies, and safety concerns for ammonia and nuclear [3,26]. |
|
Future Pathways |
Short-term: LNG, methanol, biofuels; Long-term: hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic fuels. Hybridization, digitalization, and carbon pricing are key enablers [7,35,36]. |
Acknowledgement
We thank all the researchers who contributed to the success of this research work.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.
Funding
No funding was received for this research work.
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