LR and UMAS Release Zero Emission Vessels 2030 Study

The new study is intended to demonstrate the viability of ZEVs. Image Credit: LR/UMAS

Lloyd's Register (LR) and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) today released a new study, "Zero Emission Vessels 2030," intended to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) and identify what needs to be done to make them a competitive solution for decarbonisation.

Specifically, the report examines seven technology options for ZEVs, applying them to five different case study ship types across three different regulatory and economic scenarios.

The technology options include various combinations of battery, synthetic fuels, and biofuel for the onboard storage of energy, paired with either a fuel cell and motor, internal combustion engine, or a motor for the conversion of that energy store into the mechanical and electrical energy needed for propulsion and auxiliary services.

"This report demonstrates the potential solutions for shipping's zero emissions transition," said Tristan Smith, Reader at UCL.

"By sharing the findings, we hope it can provide inspiration and focus for shipping's collective efforts to ensure zero emissions happen swiftly and with minimal cost and disruption to trade."

While the study estimates that none of the ZEVs will be more competitive than conventional shipping by 2030, LR and UMAS note that technology options are evolving rapidly, which could see the gap narrow even further than the study estimates.

However, LR and UMAS say that, if the gap does not close, regulatory intervention in the near future may be needed to drive the viability of zero emission technology compared to conventional fossil fuels.

"There is no doubt that decarbonisation is a huge challenge for our sector and that we all have a clear responsibility to ensure actions are taken to drive our operational emissions to zero at a pace matching actions taken across the rest of the world and other industry sectors," said Katharine Palmer, LR's Global Sustainability Manager.

The study can be accessed here.