A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF BIOFUELS AND ELECTRIC PROPULSION FOR SMALL-SCALE MARINE TRANSPORTATION IN NIGERIA

Nigeria's small-scale marine transport sector which encompasses inland waterways, coastal ferries, fishing vessels, and naval patrol craft operating across approximately 10,000 kilometres of waterways, remains heavily dependent on petrol and diesel, generating significant air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy insecurity. This review systematically compares two alternative energy pathways; biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas), and electric propulsion (battery-electric and hybrid-electric), for applicability to Nigerian small-scale marine vessels (5–50 m). Evaluated against technical feasibility, environmental performance, economic viability, and infrastructural readiness, the analysis demonstrates that hybrid setups utilizing battery-electric systems with biofuel-powered engines provide the best results across various metrics, and biodiesel offers the most immediately deployable pathway through drop-in compatibility with existing engines; while battery-electric propulsion is superior for short-route urban ferries contingent on grid improvements. The exploration closes with a phased, portfolio-based transition strategy with clear regulatory and financing recommendations.