The HyMethShip Concept: An investigation of system design choices and vessel operation characteristics influence on life cycle performance

Abstract

One potential method to decarbonize the maritime transport sector is by using onboard carbon capture technologies. One such potential future propulsion system is the "HyMethShip -Hydrogen-Methanol Ship propulsion system using onboard pre-combustion carbon capture" concept. In this study we use life cycle assessment to analyse the impact of system design choices on the overall environmental performance of the system. Using the HyMethShip on a vessel is shown to lower climate impact compared to today's conventional propulsion technologies. The runtime of the carbon capture system and hydrogen leakage are indicated as the main influencers to the environmental performance besides overall system efficiency. The cost of the HyMethShip system is higher than today's liquid fossil fuel options, but lower than when electro-methanol is used in a conventional engine without applying the HyMethShip concept.

Alternative fuel options for low carbon maritime transportation: Pathways to 2050

“…program declared that the closing CO 2 loop concept is technically available and economically feasible (Malmgren et al, 2020), the assumption of no on board EGCS and CCS was made in this paper because simplified systems and operations on board would mean fewer equipment failures, fewer human errors, less on board investment and operational costs, increased ship safety, increased payload, and more straightforward integration in terms of ship autonomy considering the trend towards autonomous vessels. Based on the above assumptions, fossil fuels including mineral oils, NG and coal could not be used on board directly.…”

Application of HyMethShip Propulsion using On-board Pre-combustion Carbon Capture for Waterborne Transport

“…The cost effectiveness of the system will also be assessed for different ship types and operational patterns using life cycle assessment. A preliminary assessment of environmental and economic impact of various design choices within HyMethShip can be found in [11].…”

“…The advantage of near-zero greenhouse gas emissions comes at the cost of increased system complexity. Any future regulation putting a price on carbon dioxide will directly impact the life cycle cost comparison with conventional propulsion systems [11] and therefore the economic viability of HyMethShip.…”

The future of ship engines: Renewable fuels and enabling technologies for decarbonization

“…In recent years, renewable fuel use in maritime applications has been the subject of many publications. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] In many of these assessments, the vessel's operational profile was unknown, and the engine's rated power was chosen at the beginning of the assessment. Several tools, including the Large Engines Competence Center (LEC) ENERsim 21 and ABS SIM, provide simulation-based optimization of shipping energy systems.…”