This study models the life-cycle costs and GHG emissions of shipping electrification in the US, using 2021 data. Retrofitting 6,323 domestic ships under 1,000 gross tonnage to battery electric vessels could reduce US domestic shipping GHG emissions by up to 73% by 2035. Electrifying up to 85% of these ships could become cost-effective by 2035 if they cover 99% of annual trips and charge from a deeply decarbonized grid. Charging demands could be concentrated at 20 major ports. The study demonstrates the economic potential and GHG emission reduction capabilities of battery electric vessel retrofits.

Hee Seung Moon, Won Young Park, Thomas Hendrickson, Amol Phadke, Natalie Popovich