Comparison of External Costs of Diesel, LNG, and Electric Drive on a Ro-Ro Ferry Route

Electric drive significantly reduces external costs compared to diesel and LNG when powered by renewable energy, despite higher fuel cost savings with LNG. A study on the Kamenari–Lepatane ro-ro ferry route in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor found that while switching to liquefied natural gas (LNG) offers greater economic benefits, electric propulsion using renewables minimizes environmental impacts. The research analyzed total fuel costs and externalities—such as emissions and health effects—assuming full internalization of external costs. These findings underscore the importance of renewable energy adoption in maritime transport to align with global emission reduction trends and regulations.

Vukić, L., Guidi, G., Poletan Jugović, T., & Oblak, R. (2021). Comparison of External Costs of Diesel, LNG, and Electric Drive on a Ro-Ro Ferry Route. Promet - Traffic&Transportation, 33(3), 463–477. https://doi.org/10.7307/ptt.v33i3.3690