The potential of e-fuels in the reduction of environmental footprint of a ferry

The decarbonization of shipping sector necessitates the replacement of conventional fuels with sustainable alternative fuels. This paper investigates the environmental performance of three e-fuels (e-LNG, e-methanol, and e-DME) for use in a ferry operating in the Adriatic Sea. A life cycle assessment methodology is employed to assess the environmental impacts of these e-fuels across impact categories: climate change, acidification, and human toxicity. The e-fuels are compared with their fossil counterparts as well as diesel. The findings of the study indicate that e-LNG achieves 61% reduction of GHG emissions compared to LNG and 58% reduction compared to diesel. E-methanol and e-DME result in negative CO2-eq emissions in the WTT phase, while in the TTW phase e-methanol generates low CO2-eq emissions and e-DME remains at zero. E-fuels can be regarded as a promising alternative to conventional fuels, offering significant reductions in climate change impacts and contributing to lower levels of acidification and human toxicity.