A recent study published in the Journal of Physics Conference Series titled "Risk assessment of gas plume dispersion in bunkering of alternative fuel through validated computational fluid dynamics approach" (October 2024) explores the risks of accidental leakages during the bunkering of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia. As the maritime industry moves toward decarbonization, the adoption of low-carbon fuels is seen as a critical step in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2050, compared to 2008 levels.
The authors, led by V.-T. Nguyen and colleagues, developed a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based framework for risk assessment. This approach offers detailed gas dispersion modeling and improves the accuracy of risk assessments in ship-to-ship and shore-to-ship bunkering scenarios. The framework was validated against experimental data from field tests and provides more precise results than traditional models, which often rely on assumptions and empirical data.
The study highlights the potential of CFD models to enhance safety during bunkering operations by providing high-resolution gas plume behavior predictions, helping to avoid overly conservative safety measures and enabling the development of more efficient emergency response plans.
This research represents an important advancement for the maritime industry's transition to alternative fuels, offering valuable insights into ensuring the safe handling of these new energy sources.
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