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“The 2,462 older vessels represent the

CALSTART is leading the HyZET lower hanging fruit in terms of suitabil- project to develop a tugboat that ity for replacement or repowering with runs fully on hydrogen fuel.

zero-emission solutions, whether hydro- gen, fully electric or other zero-emission technology,” said Philip Lewis, director of research at Intelatus Global Partners.

Vessel owners seeking to slash emis- sions from their operations can choose from a bouquet of energy carrier and converter options, though a great num- ber of factors must be considered—of- ten on a case-by-case basis to meet the given needs of a speci? c vessel and its operational pro? le.

“In the short-sea and inland segment, the most suitable zero-emission options include renewable based hydrogen, hy- drogen-based fuels and renewable elec- tricity stored in battery energy storage

Crowley systems,” Lewis said. “All the options have advantages and disadvantages, chief among which is the cost and avail- ability of zero-emission fuel, the certi? - cation that a fuel is truly zero-emission and the availability of infrastructure and equipment to produce, distribute and convert zero-emission fuels. As the energy transition continues to gather pace, these challenges will, in theory, be addressed.”

Increasingly, global, regional, nation- al and local agencies are promoting vari- ous measures aimed at reducing harmful emissions from the maritime sector. As a result of this regulatory environment, as well as growing commercial pres- sures to prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives, the adoption of zero-emission vessels is ac- celerating, though technical and ? nan- cial challenges remain. “In the U.S., the focus of standards is tilted toward the reduction of NOx and particulate matter PM,” Lewis noted. “California is in a unique position that it can set its own emission standards, which are currently higher than those mandated by the federal Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA). Where fea- sible, California encourages the use of www.marinelink.com 13

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