Techno-economic assessment of alternative marine fuels for inland shipping in Croatia

Emissions reduction targets are pushing the shipping industry towards cleaner and more energy-efficient solutions. One option proposed is to replace conventional marine fuels with cleaner fuels. This is particularly important for vessels engaged in short-sea shipping and inland waterway transportation because their exhaust gases more negatively affect the local population than long-distance ships do. Hence the aim of this study is to undertake a technical, environmental and economic analysis of alternative fuels to reduce the environmental footprint and lifetime costs of inland waterway transportation. The analysis will focus on Croatia whose existing outdated inland waterway fleet needs to meet the goals of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia. In the study, a life-cycle analysis and life-cycle cost assessment of different alternative fuels will be performed taking into account the operating profiles and technical characteristics of vessels working in Croatia. The potential effects of a carbon tax are also examined in a case study considering carbon emissions reduction targets in Croatia by 2030. The electrification of ships is highlighted as the most environmentally friendly option for each considered ship, reaching a carbon emission reduction of up to 51%, while the most cost-effective option varies for each ship.

Automated summary

The study focuses on analyzing alternative fuels to reduce the environmental footprint and lifetime costs of inland waterway transportation in Croatia, aiming to meet the emission reduction targets by 2030. The electrification of ships is highlighted as the most environmentally friendly option, with potential for up to 51% carbon emission reduction, while the most cost-effective option varies for each ship.