Direct air capture-assisted sustainable fuel solution in maritime sector: a carbon footprint perspective

Carbon emissions reduction within the maritime sector is pivotal for realizing zero-carbon goals and mitigating climate impacts. Adopting renewable carbon fuels presents a potent strategy. It is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of its negative carbon attributes and enduring contributions to future development based on carbon footprint assessment. By using the CO₂ captured through direct air capture (DAC) technology and the H₂ obtained via water electrolysis as feedstock, electro-methanol (e-methanol) can be produced under renewable energy-driven conditions. Owing to the environmental benefits and economic feasibility of e-methanol, we highlight its potential as a practical alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based technical scenarios. A quantitative analysis of this integrated system from a carbon footprint perspective allows for an environmental sustainability assessment. According to predictions, scaled-up usage of the system can reduce the maritime sector's contribution to global carbon emissions by half by 2050.