IEEFA – Can Maritime Hydrogen Overcome the Headwinds, Feb 2025

The report by IEEFA "Can Maritime Hydrogen Overcome the Headwinds" explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting hydrogen in the maritime sector. Maritime shipping, responsible for over 700 million tonnes of CO2 annually, faces significant sustainability challenges. Hydrogen, a potential alternative to fossil fuels, encounters barriers such as cost and infrastructure. The International Maritime Organization aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting hydrogen's role in this transition. However, careful planning is essential to avoid undermining decarbonization goals. The report also discusses other low-carbon strategies, such as vessel speed reduction and hybrid electrification, which are gaining traction. As markets evolve, the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and all-electric propulsion in short-sea routes are highlighted as promising solutions.