Economic Optimization of Qatar's Hydrocarbon-based Fuels for Sustainable Maritime Applications

Environmental regulations have always been an essential component of the natural gas supply chain. This study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with replacing heavy fuel oil used for maritime transportation with relatively cleaner and green fuels. The economic and environmental viability of alternative bunker fuels mainly liquefied natural gas, Ammonia, and hydrogen, is assessed. Additionally, the entire supply chain of natural gas is holistically evaluated by understanding the end-user requirements and exploring the feasibility of further processing the transported fuel (i.e., LNG) into the required form. The examination of supply-demand synergies constitutes the novelty of this study. With the aid of linear programming, the fuel-alternatives mentioned above are assessed on environmental and economic levels. A multi-objective optimisation model is developed considering the emissions constraints imposed on ship operators by regulatory authorities. The mathematical model also includes the possible transported fuel (i.e., LNG, Ammonia, and hydrogen) where both supply and end-user demand are factored into the formulation with the aim of achieving optimal value in an environmentally benign manner. The outcome of this study demonstrates the optimal combinations of transported and consumed fuels. The magnitude of each bunker fuel to be consumed indicates the best fuel to be used while considering both economic and environmental aspects. According to the result obtained from the developed model, Ammonia seems to be the most favourable, followed by HFO, LNG, and hydrogen, respectively. This is mainly attributed to the high cost associated with the consumption of hydrogen fuel. As for the transported fuel, the model suggests that LNG should be the main transported fuel followed by Hydrogen and Ammonia, respectively.