PROSPECT FOR THE USE OF BIOFUELS IN WOTERBORNE TRANSPORT

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyze prospects for the use of alternative fuels in waterborne transport and to develop relevant recommendations for Ukraine. An effective measure of decarbonization of the global economy, which is an urgent issue today, is the transition to low-carbon and renewable fuels. From the point of view of using alternative fuels in waterborne transport, it is necessary to distinguish the short-distance transportation and deep-sea routes. In the first case, ships usually operate in limited geographical areas on relatively short routes with frequent port calls. Such vessels are often good candidates for testing new types of fuel (energy carrier) characterized by high energy conversion or storage costs. Deep-sea shipping requires the use of fuel (energy carrier), which is available all over the world and has a sufficiently high energy density. When determining promising alternative fuels for Ukraine’s waterborne transport, the following aspects have been taken into account: the level of technology development and its complexity; compatibility with existing engines, vessel fuel system and bunkering infrastructure; availability/accessibility of raw material and resource base; volumetric energy content, standardization, price, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle of the fuel. According to the results of comparative analysis and assessment, the following alternative fuels are considered the most promising for Ukraine’s waterborne transport: biomethane (compressed or liquefied), biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil, liquefied natural gas, as well as electric power installations with accumulator batteries. The development of each of these directions requires further study with conducting research and development activity.