Sustainable Marine Structures

Techno-Economic Feasibility of Hydrogen Fueled Marine Freight in Coastal Supply Chains

Suleiman Ibrahim Mohammad

Department of Electronic Marketing and Social Media, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13132 Jordan

Faculty of Business and Communication, INTI International University,  Nilai 71800, Malaysia

Sultan Alaswad Alenazi

Marketing Department, College of Business, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia

Badrea Al Oraini

Business Administration Department, Collage of Business and Economics, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia

Hanan Jadallah

Department of Electronic Marketing and Social Media, Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13132 Jordan

Asokan Vasudevan

Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia

School of Management, Shinawatra University, Pathum Thani 12160, Thailand

Business Administration and Management, Wekerle Business School, 1083 Budapest, Hungary

Karthikesani Govindan

Global Ranking and Institutional Advancement Centre (GRIAC), INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia

Puventhiri Tharuma Dorai

Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia

Tharshini A. Murugan Ramesh

Global Ranking and Institutional Advancement Centre (GRIAC), Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/sms.v8i1.2594

Received: 6 August 2025 | Revised: 3 October 2025 | Accepted: 13 October 2025 | Published Online: 5 January 2026

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Abstract

The maritime sector remains a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with coastal freight logistics playing a significant but underexplored role. This study evaluates the feasibility of hydrogen-powered ships as a zero-emission alternative to diesel in coastal freight networks. Using a combined techno-economic and logistical model, the research incorporates Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Transport (LCOT), linear programming for route optimization, lifecycle emissions assessments, and scenario simulations involving carbon pricing and infrastructure development. Data sources included operational records, industry benchmarks, port infrastructure audits, and environmental performance databases. Statistical methods such as sensitivity analysis and hypothesis testing were used to compare hydrogen and diesel propulsion across ship types and policy scenarios. Findings show hydrogen propulsion can be economically viable when carbon taxes exceed $90/ton and green hydrogen costs fall below $4/kg. Emissions modelling indicates potential reductions of 75–90% in lifecycle CO₂ and NOx, depending on bunkering availability and route alignment. However, limited port readiness especially in developing regions poses logistical challenges. Sensitivity analysis highlights retrofitting incentives and infrastructure investment as key drivers of adoption. The study concludes that hydrogen propulsion is technically feasible and environmentally superior for coastal shipping, but requires targeted policy support and infrastructure upgrades. It offers a comprehensive framework integrating cost, logistics, and environmental data to guide the transition toward hydrogen-based maritime freight systems.

Keywords: Hydrogen Fuel; Coastal Shipping; Techno-Economic Feasibility; Maritime Logistics; Economic Growth; Sustainable Supply Chain

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