Review article
Analysis of Ropax Short Sea Shipping Vessels in the Light of Directive (EU) 2023/959
Tomislav Bukša
; Jadrolinija d.d., Rijeka, Croatia
*
Juraj Bukša
; Adriatic Croatia International Club, Rijeka, Croatia
Bojana Stanić Stanisavljević
; Jadrolinija d.d., Rijeka, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
In an effort to reduce GHG emissions, coastal shipping operators are undertaking various activities
to contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during the
transition to environmentally friendly propulsion systems, all without compromising their regular
operations. Although alternative fuel technologies are not yet fully implemented, the authors have
developed a hypothetical model based on empirical data to compare current fuels with those expected
to be available in the near future. Short sea shipping operators face potentially high transition costs
as they shift to eco-neutral fuels, alongside the continuous goal of reducing their carbon footprint.
This paper analyzes a RoPax vessel used on the Prizna-Žigljen route to assess the retrofit process
for a zero-emission propulsion system. Two suitable solutions for this route are explored: (1) battery
systems and (2) proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), to identify the most advantageous
technology for implementation on the vessel. Various aspects are considered, including the ferry’s daily
schedule, available volume and space, propulsion power requirements, necessary energy storage or fuel
tank capacity, cost-efficiency, and more. This multi-faceted analysis ultimately identifies hydrogenpowered
PEMFC as the optimal clean energy system, offering the most suitable retrofit solution for
this specific case study to ensure CO₂-free travel.
Keywords
RoPax vessels, zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFC), energy transition
Hrčak ID:
330000
URI
Publication date:
9.4.2025.
Visits: 888 *