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Environmental regulations are gradually striving to decarbonize short-sea navigation fostering the replacement of the conventional power systems with alternative ones. The electrification of ships has been proposed in the literature as a pathway to zero-emission shipping. Among various alternatives, batteries could ensure full conformity with the tightening emission restrictions. However, appropriate batteries for short-sea navigation need to be investigated, since each battery technology has its own environmental impacts and characteristics such as energy density, number of battery cycles, cost, fast charging ability and safety. The aim of this research is to compare the conventional power system with a diesel engine and alternative power system with a selected battery to identify convenient technology for zero-emission shipping according to the environmental and economic criteria. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) are performed to analyze environmental and economic performance of different powering options. The analysis included ro-ro passenger ships from the Croatian short-sea navigation, highlighting the electrification by a Lithium-ion battery as the most appropriate alternative according to environmental and economic indicators. • Electrification of the ship represents a viable decarbonization measure. • State-of-the-art of selected battery technologies for marine applications. • LCA and LCCA are performed for ro-ro ships operating in Croatian short-sea shipping. • Li-ion battery is the most prominent battery for the electrification of a ship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Implementation of fuel cells in the short-sea shipping sector is analysed. • Grey, blue and green types of hydrogen and ammonia are analysed for fuel cells. • Onboard heating of fuel cell is more economical and ecological than onshore heating. • Green ammonia in SOFC is the most ecological solution with reasonable costs. • Blue ammonia in PEMFC is the most economical option with low emissions. This paper investigates the viability of different fuel cell types in a ship power system, where hydrogen and ammonia are considered as zero-carbon fuels. The identification of alternatives to diesel-powered ships is performed by taking into account the environmental and economic indicators of the considered power systems, determined by Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA), and further compared with the existing diesel power systems of three passenger ships operating in Croatian coastal waters. Special attention is paid to fuel origin, where fossil fuels (grey fuel), fossil fuels followed by CO 2 capture (blue fuel), and those produced from renewable energy sources (green fuel) are considered. The results of the research indicate that fuel cell systems with grey hydrogen and grey ammonia are not environmentally friendly, while fuel cell systems with the blue and green types of these fuels have a lower impact on the environment than a diesel-powered ship, with a reduction of up to 84% in CO 2 -eq emissions when green ammonia is used. Regarding profitability, the diesel-powered ship has the lowest total costs, while the second most cost-effective option is the fuel cell system with blue ammonia as fuel with 27%-43% higher costs than a diesel-powered ship, depending on which type of fuel cell is used. Although blue ammonia is a cheaper fuel than diesel fuel, the lifetime costs of the fuel cell power system are affected by relatively high investment costs (fuel cell, battery, cracker, etc.) and equipment replacement costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased demand for fish products has resulted in greater investment in and modernization of the aquaculture sector. These processes have led to higher energy needs of aquaculture farms globally, resulting in their greater environmental impact. Fossil fuel is the main power source in aquaculture, and its combustion generates a large amount of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and other emissions. This paper considers the use of renewable energy sources (RESs) in mariculture systems to ensure at the same time cost-effective and environmentally friendly powering options. This paper investigates an alternative solution which relocates the majority of equipment and tasks from a mariculture vessel to a barge to reduce the energy demands of the vessel and to significantly lessen emissions of the system. The solution includes the full electrification of the workboat and the installation of PV cells and a wind turbine onboard the barge, combined with a diesel generator in an integrated power system. A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed to evaluate the considered power system configurations from an environmental point of view, while a Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) was performed to evaluate the economic performance of the proposed solutions. The results of the implementation of RESs in the mariculture system indicate an emission reduction of about 20% and an increase in capital costs by 0.61%. Feed reduction and the use of electricity in an alternative mariculture farm design in Croatia increase profitability by 4% in most cases. • The integration of RESs is beneficial for mariculture systems. • LCAs and LCCAs of a mariculture system in Croatia are performed. • The influence of fish feed and staff costs on profitability is considered. • Conventional workboat power systems should be replaced with cleaner alternatives. • Electrification of fishing vessels could reduce the CF of fish farming by about 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions reduction targets are pushing the shipping industry towards cleaner and more energy-efficient solutions. One option proposed is to replace conventional marine fuels with cleaner fuels. This is particularly important for vessels engaged in short-sea shipping and inland waterway transportation because their exhaust gases more negatively affect the local population than long-distance ships do. Hence the aim of this study is to undertake a technical, environmental and economic analysis of alternative fuels to reduce the environmental footprint and lifetime costs of inland waterway transportation. The analysis will focus on Croatia whose existing outdated inland waterway fleet needs to meet the goals of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia. In the study, a life-cycle analysis and life-cycle cost assessment of different alternative fuels will be performed taking into account the operating profiles and technical characteristics of vessels working in Croatia. The potential effects of a carbon tax are also examined in a case study considering carbon emissions reduction targets in Croatia by 2030. The electrification of ships is highlighted as the most environmentally friendly option for each considered ship, reaching a carbon emission reduction of up to 51%, while the most cost-effective option varies for each ship. • A set of alternative fuels for the Croatian inland waterway fleet is identified. • Implementation of carbon allowance is investigated within economic analysis. • LCA indicated the full electrification of a ship as the most ecological solution. • Electricity and methanol are highlighted as the most economical alternative fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The applicability of alternative marine fuels in short-sea shipping is investigated. • LCAs and LCCAs of three ships operating in Croatia are performed. • The effect of potential carbon pricing policies in the marine sector is considered. • The electrification of ships is a promising option for CF reduction in Croatia. • A GHG reduction of about 50% is viable. The reduction of emissions generated by internal combustion engines represents one of the most important research topics in the marine sector. This especially refers to carbon dioxide (CO 2) which is a major greenhouse gas. This paper deals with the viability of alternative fuels to reduce CO 2 emissions in the Croatian short-sea shipping sector over a ship lifetime. The aim of the study is to identify appropriate alternatives to diesel-powered options, taking account of environmental and economic criteria. Besides diesel, which is currently the main marine fuel in Croatia, an analysis was conducted of electricity, methanol, dimethyl ether, natural gas, hydrogen and biodiesel, and the results are illustrated on three different Croatian ro-ro passenger ships, operating on short, moderate and relatively long routes, respectively. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) indicated the most environmentally friendly power system configuration with alternative fuel. The investigation from an economical point of view was performed by Life-Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) which also considered potential carbon allowance scenarios. The results highlighted an electricity-powered ship as the most ecological as well as the most cost-effective option among those that are investigated, taking account of the real Croatian electricity mix that includes 46% of renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emissions produced by fuel oil combustion in marine engines contribute to marine environment pollution and have a negative impact on both human health and the environment. This impact is more pronounced for ships which mostly operate near ports and inhabited areas, such as ro-ro passenger ships. The relevant legislation prescribes a reduction of carbon dioxide on account of its contribution to the problem of global warming. This paper deals with the assessment of the carbon footprint of the Croatian ro-ro passenger fleet in the Adriatic Sea and the corresponding measures to reduce it. This paper analyses a total of 27 ferry lines along the Croatian coast that produce around 29,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The analysis distinguishes two lines, Valbiska-Lopar and Vis-Split, with a significantly higher relative contribution to total emissions. The potential to introduce measures to reduce the carbon footprint on these lines is discussed. By implementing these measures, the carbon footprint of the Valbiska-Lopar line can be reduced by almost 40%, while that of the Vis-Split line can be lowered by around 27%. • Importance of preserving marine environment in Croatia highlighted. • Carbon footprint analysis implemented on ro-ro passenger fleet in the Adriatic Sea. • 27 ferry lines produce in total around 29,000 tons of CO 2 annually. • Lines with significantly higher specific contribution to total emissions identified. • Recommendations to improve energy efficiency on selected routes proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to comply with stringent environmental regulations, shipbuilders and ship-owners are seeking cleaner fuels and the integration of renewable energy sources into ship power systems. Such solutions regularly result in additional costs for ship operators, both in the case of retrofitting existing ships or acquiring completely new vessels. This paper deals with the life-cycle cost assessments (LCCAs) of different power system configurations of a ro-ro passenger vessel operating in the Croatian short-sea shipping sector. Electrification of the ship is considered as an option to reduce the carbon footprint (CF) of the vessel and to achieve economic savings during its lifetime. In this sense, the ship operational profile is analysed and its total power needs are determined. The life-cycle assessments of an existing diesel engine-powered solution and two potential battery-powered ship options (with and without photovoltaic cells) are performed by means of GREET 2018 software. Furthermore, these options are compared from an economical viewpoint, where different carbon credit scenarios are investigated. The results show that a diesel engine-powered vessel has the highest carbon footprint, as expected. However, it is also found that a battery-powered vessel (with or without photovoltaic cells) has a minimum environmental footprint and at the same time represents economically the most favourable solution for all possible carbon allowance scenarios. This indicates that all-electric ships seem to be a promising option for the future development of the Croatian short-sea shipping sector. • The applicability of different power sources in short-sea shipping is investigated. • LCAs and LCCAs of different power options for ro-ro vessels are performed. • The influence of carbon credit policies in the marine sector is considered. • The electrification of the Croatian ro-ro fleet is a viable option to reduce the CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and awareness of climate change are the driving forces of the rapid development of the transportation industry. As seaborne trade grows, the maritime sector is exploring the applicability of alternative powering options and ways to implement new technologies to increase safety and efficiency. Autonomous ships have recently generally been presented as more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than conventional manned ships. This paper deals with the feasibility of autonomous ro-ro passenger ships combined with the application of alternative power options, where the Croatian short-sea shipping sector is taken as an illustrative example. An analysis is conducted for heavy fuel oil, marine diesel oil, liquefied natural gas, methanol, electricity, and fossil and renewable hydrogen for three different ships operating on short, medium, and relatively long routes. For the ship lifetime of 20 years, through five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the environmental and economic impact of the considered options is evaluated and the potential for their autonomous application is investigated. Taking into account the contrasts between conventional and autonomous ships, the differences in the costs for autonomous ship are outlined, and the KPIs of conventional and autonomous ro-ro passenger ships are compared. The results indicate that from an environmental and economic point of view, methanol and electricity-powered ships are the best option for all three routes. Regarding autonomous shipping, the ecological and economic benefits are obvious for all the considered power options and ships, except for the renewable hydrogen-powered ship operating on the longest route. • The environmental and economic benefits of autonomous shipping are considered. • KPIs comparison of three conventional and autonomous ships is presented. • Electrification is the most ecological and economic option. • Reduced fuel consumption greatly influences the profitability of autonomous ships. • Analysis indicates potential of autonoumous ro-ro passenger ships for short routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of harsh emission control and ecological environment protection, the shipping industry is transforming and upgrading towards greening, decarbonisation, and electrification. The energy and power types of inland ships are becoming increasingly diversified. It is urgently important to investigate strategies for decarbonising inland ship power systems. First, the development status of inland shipping in China is introduced with respect to shipping resources, existing problems, and driving factors of green development. Then, the power requirements of inland ships and the characteristics of new power systems are analysed, and on this basis, alternative solutions for inland ship power systems are proposed. Two case studies are carried out, focussed on canal and Yangtze River ships using battery power and hybrid power, respectively. Moreover, environmental and economic impacts during the life cycle of the two typical alternative solutions are assessed. Finally, an uncertainty analysis method is adopted to assess the reliability of the life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment results. The results indicate that compared with traditional diesel power, battery power and hybrid power have lower lifetime CO 2 emissions and costs, under four considered carbon credit scenarios. The proposed alternative solutions and assessment methods are of significance for guiding the low-carbon development of inland ship power. • Characteristics of China's inland ships and the new power systems are investigated. • Alternative low-carbon solutions for inland ship power systems are proposed. • Inland application of battery power and hybrid power are compared with diesel power. • LCA and LCCA are used to assess environmental and economic impact of entire life. • Four scenarios of potential carbon credit are considered in assessment of total cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]