Assessment of the lost cargo capacities of a container vessel when transitioning to alternative fuels

Abstract: Alternative fuels represent a viable solution to the decarbonization of the maritime industry. There are several options available with some technologies mature and ready to use. Other technologies are still under development; however, it is a certainty that alternative fuels and newer technologies could substitute conventional fuels. Changing to alternative fuels comes with a price. For cargo vessels, it is the loss of cargo space, due to the higher energy density of alternative fuels compared to fossil fuels. The present study calculates the cost of lost cargo when an 8000 TEU container vessel is burning methanol and ammonia. It is noted that additional cargo space required for methanol is 1674 m3, while for ammonia is 2277 m3. The cargo lost space has a significant impact on the earning potential of the vessel throughout its lifetime. Regardless of whether the owners choose a one-stop or two-stop approach, the owners must determine the frequency of bunkering based on the vessel's route and conduct a thorough review of the fuel tank capacity.