Hydrogen as a future marine fuel: Analysis of environmental and climate impacts of the conversion of the shipping on the North and Baltic Seas

The project "Hydrogen as a future maritime fuel" is a research semester funded by the EKSH with a duration of 6 months.

Cross-sectoral decarbonization is necessary to comply with the 1.5 °C target set within the Paris Agreement. Shipping (and aviation) are considered difficult sectors to decarbonize through electrification with renewable electricity. Schleswig-Holstein is at the center of shipping activities on the North and Baltic Seas and is an important maritime location in Europe. A climate-neutral transformation requires, in particular, the provision of carbon neutral alternative technologies and fuels that can be provided (on site) at optimal cost. Schleswig-Holstein can play a pioneering role in the maritime energy transition thanks to its expertise (shipyards, research institutions and sponsors). 

The overarching research questions "Is hydrogen (and its derivatives) suitable as a future marine fuel?" and "Which socio-ecological and techno-economic aspects need to be considered?" shall be analysed while establishing a list of indicators. Underlying questions are: Which obstacles, opportunities and innovations are necessary and/or promising for maritime hydrogen applications? How is the (North) German innovation landscape in the area of maritime hydrogen applications set up?