Future environmental impacts of hydrogen production and its use in container shipping

Wei, S. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

Hydrogen-based fuels are regarded as promising candidates for decarbonizing the maritime shipping sector. Nevertheless, uncertainties surrounding the development of the hydrogen economy, together with the technical and operational challenges associated with their application in shipping, highlight the need for a life cycle perspective to clarify their decarbonization potential and associated environmental trade-offs. Such an approach can support the development of effective roadmaps to minimize other environmental impacts while decarbonizing maritime shipping with hydrogen-based fuels. Accordingly, this thesis addresses the overarching question: What are the future environmental impacts of hydrogen production and its use in container shipping? With this objective, the thesis systematically investigates the life cycle environmental impacts of global hydrogen production and the use of hydrogen-based fuels at both individual ship and fleet levels. The decarbonization potential of hydrogen production and its application in container shipping is identified, and potential environmental and feasibility risks are highlighted.

• Hydrogen
• Maritime shipping
• Life cycle assessment
• Climate change mitigation
• Future environmental impacts

• All authors: Wei, S.
• Supervisor: Tukker, A.; Steubing, B.R.P.
• Committee: Vijver, M.G.; Guinee, J.B.; Thonemann, N.; Stromman, A.H.; Brynolf, S
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2026-02-11
• ISBN (print): 9789051917666