Techno-economic competitiveness of renewable fuel alternatives in the marine sector

The maritime sector accounts for almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is under increasing pressure to decarbonise rapidly. Renewable fuels represent a promising pathway decarbonisation, but their high costs hinder adoption. Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) can further augment marine fuel decarbonisation adds the cost. This work presents harmonised cost comparison four renewable carbon (methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), liquefied natural (LNG) bio-oil) produced either from routes utilising biomass (biofuels, including CCS) or CO2 (e-fuels). differing technology status production has been accounted using RAND Corporation method estimate pioneer plants. Additionally, impact different levels taxation (15 140 €/t CO2) on economic viability alternative examined. None were found be close incumbent without taxation, which needs considerable adequately bridge gap. Methanol DME point capture are lowest choices if full scale sale oxygen by-product considered. biofuel remain at premium existing fuels, while direct air (DAC)-based most expensive among options studied, besides requiring completely electricity footprint not exceed that fossil fuels. LNG particularly gap, bringing its as potential bridging into doubt.