Work

Assessment of environmental impacts and costs for hydrogen-powered cargo shipping in Europe

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transportation of goods contributes considerably to global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgency of sustainable transport solutions. A promising yet underexplored solution is the introduction of small autonomous-driving hydrogen-powered boats (AHB) that can substitute long-haul trucking. Here we address this gap by modelling an AHB and then performing a life cycle assessment, coupled with a total cost of ownership analysis, across various scenarios. AHBs powered by green hydrogen are expected to emit 0.46 kg CO 2 eq km −1 and cost 0.82 € km −1 on average. In contrast, AHBs powered by gray hydrogen are characterized by average emissions of 1.12 kg CO 2 eq km −1 and costs of 0.42 € km −1 . Furthermore, costs of the modelled AHB are compared to those of semi-trucks powered by different fuels to gauge the AHB’s real world applicability. The results show that an AHB could be the cost-optimal solution for non-time sensitive transportation of goods exceeding distances of 624 km.

Source: Communications Engineering

DOI: 10.1038/s44172-025-00388-4

Authors: Simon Schlehuber, Moritz Gutsch, Niklas Kronemeyer, Florian Frieden, Stephan von Delft

Institutions: University of Münster, University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Transport Emissions and Efficiency

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,190