Hybrid propulsion and alternative fuels in maritime transport: a Panama Canal-centred assessment

Yuksel, O, Blanco-Davis, E ORCID: 0000-0001-8080-4997, Fuentes, G, Takvam, T and Tsoulakos, N (2026) Hybrid propulsion and alternative fuels in maritime transport: a Panama Canal-centred assessment. Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology. ISSN 2046-4177

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Abstract

This study presents a scenario-based environmental and economic assessment of hybrid propulsion systems and alternative marine fuels within Panama Canal-centred maritime operations. Dual-fuel (DF) engines configured in diesel-electric and mechanical propulsion systems, as well as fuel cell/battery electrification, were evaluated across two bulk carrier case studies. Cold ironing (CI) was assessed independently to quantify its contribution to port-side emission reductions. Ammonia DF systems achieved the highest tank-to-wake (TtW) greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, up to 78.49% with CI, while green ammonia reduced well-to-wake (WtW) emissions by 66.03%. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) systems achieved GHG reductions aligned with 2030 targets. Methanol offered moderate benefits, while first- and second-generation biodiesel failed to meet GHG targets and showed limited environmental viability. Economically, grey ammonia yielded the lowest levelized cost of energy ($140.61/MWh), while green ammonia reached $469.01/MWh, indicating a trade-off between sustainability and cost. LNG and methanol remained competitive under both low- and average-price scenarios. The Panama Canal’s strategic location makes it a key connection hub for low-energy-density alternative fuels, which require larger storage volumes and pose trade-offs between cargo capacity and refuelling frequency. As a mid-route chokepoint, the Canal enables reliable refuelling, supporting the operational viability of zero-carbon fuels in long-haul shipping.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Panama Canal; maritime decarbonisation; alternative fuels; hybrid systems; proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); 4007 Control Engineering, Mechatronics and Robotics; 40 Engineering; 4015 Maritime Engineering; 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; 13 Climate Action; 4007 Control engineering, mechatronics and robotics; 4015 Maritime engineering; 4602 Artificial intelligence
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering
Divisions:	Civil Engineering and Built Environment
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis
Date of acceptance:	31 May 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	5 August 2026
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2026 13:40
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 13:40
DOI or ID number:	10.1080/20464177.2026.2684075
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29110

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