Liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel cells have been shown in ICCT research to replace fossil fuels in transpacific container ships and rotor sails have been shown to save energy and reduce emissions.
It is possible to create zero-emission vessels (ZEVs) by combining these two technologies, and bulk carriers are particularly well suited for this because they have enough space onboard for fuel cell and hydrogen fuel storage systems, as well as ample space on deck for rotor sail installations or retrofits.
It examines whether LH2 fuel cells or compressed hydrogen (CH2) fuel cells can be used to replace fossil fuels in bulk carriers by examining three ships of varying sizes: a 57,000-dwt dry bulk carrier transiting the Chinese coast; a 69,000-dwt ore and coal carrier sailing the North American Great Lakes; and a 7,570-dwt cement carrier operating in Europe’s North and Baltic Sea. Each ship’s total energy consumption and the energy-saving potential of rotor sails were estimated using 2019 AIS ship traffic data and weather observations.
It is possible to retrofit rotor sails on conventionally fueled ships to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and reduce emissions. New ships, such as hybrids and ZEVs, can have them installed to save on energy costs.
