Environmental and Economic Assessment of Batteries for Marine Applications: Case Study of All-Electric Fishing Vessels

Abstract

The increasing global warming problem has pushed the community to implement emission reduction measures in almost every segment of human life. Since the major source of anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) is fossil fuel combustion, in the shipping sector, these measures are oriented toward a reduction in tailpipe emissions, where the replacement of traditional internal combustion marine engines with zero-carbon technologies offers the ultimate emission reduction results. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG strategy, vessels involved in international shipping must achieve a minimum 50% reduction in their GHG emissions by 2050. However, this requirement does not extend to fishing vessels, which are significant consumers of fossil fuels. This paper deals with the full electrification of two types of fishing vessels (purse seiners and trawlers), wherein different Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs) are considered. To investigate their environmental footprint and profitability, Life-Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Life-Cycle Cost Assessments (LCCAs) are performed. The comparison of all-electric fishing vessels with existing diesel-powered ships highlighted the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery as the most suitable alternative powering option regarding environmental and economic criteria.