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Roadmap for the Decarbonization of Domestic Passenger Ferries in the Republic of Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Tuan Dong

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Anas Alamoush

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Alessandro Schönborn

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Peyman Ghaforian Masodzadeh

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Chybyung Park

    (Korea Maritime Institute, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea)

  • Han-Seon Park

    (Korea Maritime Institute, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea)

  • Seyedvahid Vakili

    (Civil, Maritime, and Environmental Engineering Department, and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI), University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK)

  • Levent Bilgili

    (Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Maritime Faculty, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, 10200 Balıkesir, Türkiye)

  • Fabio Ballini

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Aykut I. Ölcer

    (Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, 201 24 Malmö, Sweden)

Abstract

This study examines the steps to lower air emissions in South Korea’s domestic shipping sector. It highlights the significant contributions of the sector to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing its impact on environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. By looking at the current shipping energy use and emissions, the research identifies ways to reduce the environmental impact of domestic shipping. Data was collected from domestic ferry routes and the fuel use was reviewed with respect to existing global technologies for reducing emissions. The results show that operational changes and current energy-efficient technologies can quickly cut emissions. Furthermore, a long-term plan is suggested, involving the development of new ship designs and the use of net-zero fuels like biofuels, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia. These efforts aim to meet climate goals, targeting a 40% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2050, making South Korea’s shipping industry more sustainable and resilient.

Suggested Citation

  • Tuan Dong & Anas Alamoush & Alessandro Schönborn & Peyman Ghaforian Masodzadeh & Chybyung Park & Han-Seon Park & Seyedvahid Vakili & Levent Bilgili & Fabio Ballini & Aykut I. Ölcer, 2025. "Roadmap for the Decarbonization of Domestic Passenger Ferries in the Republic of Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1545-:d:1590372
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Igor Bačkalov & Friederike Dahlke-Wallat & Elimar Frank & Benjamin Friedhoff & Alex Grasman & Justin Jasa & Niels Kreukniet & Martin Quispel & Florin Thalmann, 2025. "Greening of Inland and Coastal Ships in Europe by Means of Retrofitting: State of the Art and Scenarios," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-30, June.
    2. Xinyu Liu & Guogang Yang & Baixun Sun & Jihui Li & Yinhui Sun, 2025. "Numerical Simulation Study on the Dynamic Diffusion Characteristics of Ammonia Leakage in Ship Engine Room," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-20, April.
    3. Anastasios Ziakas & Maria Boile, 2025. "Toward zero-emission ferries: integrating systematic review and bibliometric analysis insights on alternative fuels and policies," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-37, December.

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