THE ROLE OF HYDROGEN AS A DECARBONIZATION STRATEGY FOR SEA PORTS TO FACILITATE MARITIME TRANSPORT NET ZERO TARGETS OF 2050

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of hydrogen as a decarbonization strategy for ports in facilitating maritime transport 2050 net-zero targets. Chapter Two explores the challenges ports face in this transition, including economic, technological, and regulatory barriers, and identifies the opportunities ports can use to facilitate it. The next chapter narrows the focus to specifically assess the hydrogen readiness of the top 100 global ports, top 10 shipping lines, and 20 most connected ports, revealing regional disparities. Ports in Europe and North America lead with pilot projects and supportive policies, while other regions lag. Finally, chapter four evaluates the International Maritime Organization’s draft regulations on fuel standards and GHG pricing. The findings show these policies could accelerate hydrogen adoption by making it more financially viable and supporting developing economies to invest more on Hydrogen fuels. The thesis highlights ports’ critical role of energy transition to enable hydrogen-based maritime decarbonization.