Unlocking renewable fuels for green shipping corridors: A comprehensive analysis framework

To meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals, green shipping corridor (GSC) emerges as a key strategy for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives. However, studies on the comprehensive assessment to identify the most viable renewable marine fuels for GSCs remain limited. This study addresses the gap by evaluating the operational, environmental, and economic impacts of eight resolutions, including four renewable fuels — compressed/liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol — powered by dual-fuel engines and fuel cells. Integrating a tailored real-world database including vessel and fuel datasets, this study assesses operational impacts by the proposed resolutions, emphasizing shifts in cargo capacity and refueling requirements, through a data-driven fuel consumption approach. Following IMO guidelines, a robust dual-level lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework quantifies greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through well-to-tank analysis for fuels with cradle-to-grave analysis for facilities. Building on this framework, a holistic three-dimensional cost evaluation system is conducted: lifecycle cost (LCC) for fuel producers, total cost of ownership (TCO) for shipowners, and marginal abatement cost (MAC) for policymakers. A case study of the Rotterdam–Singapore GSC demonstrates that GHGs can be reduced from 72% to zero, with a cargo capacity loss up to 17%, and an increase in total ownership costs by a multiple between 1.8 and 2.9 times. The analysis highlights methanol as the standout renewable fuel for the long-distance ocean-going voyages towards IMO decarbonization goal. This research offers a versatile framework evaluating renewable fuels in global shipping and propelling the practical implementation with valuable decarbonization insights. • Examine the strategic implications of renewable fuel pathways in maritime decarbonization. • Develop an LCA–MAC framework integrating operations, emissions, and costs. • Implement the framework in the Rotterdam–Singapore green corridor case study. • Green methanol proves the most promising fuel for long-distance shipping.