Objectives A life cycle carbon emission assessment method is proposed to comprehensively evaluate the carbon emission reduction capacity of hydrogen-electric hybrid ships.

Methods First, an energy flow model of the power system is established using the Matlab/Simulink software platform. Hydrogen consumption and electricity consumption under actual operating conditions are then calculated, and the life cycle carbon emissions are obtained. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed on carbon emissions from different power sources and hydrogen sources.

Results The results of an inland river ferry show that compared with the traditional diesel engine power system, the hydrogen-electric hybrid system can reduce carbon emissions by 30.24% in one operation cycle. The sensitivity analysis results show that the carbon emissions of the hydrogen-electric hybrid system are not necessarily better than those of the traditional diesel power system, so it is recommended to use renewable energy for hydrogen production and power generation to significantly reduce carbon emissions (up to 94.2%).

Conclusions The results of this study can provide references for the power system design of green ships.