Cristian Chirita
via donau - Österreichische Wasserstraßen-G.m.b.H.
Cristian Chirita graduated from Contanta Maritime University as Engineer in Navigation and Maritime Transport in 2002 and as Master in Maritime Safety and Security in 2009.
He graduated from the University of Applied Sciences, Technikum Vienna as MSc. in Integrative Urban Development.
He holds a Master Mariner COC and has extensive experience in maritime transport of oil and chemical products.
Since 2016 he was involved in the endeavours to make shipping greener and is currently employed as Senior Expert at viadonau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen-G.m.b.H, handling issues relating to improvement of the environmental performance of the inland waterway fleet.
Evaluation of the applicability of hydrogen as fuel in Danube navigation
The investigation provides insight in the most recent developments relating the to the usage of hydrogen in inland waterway transport. In particular, the performance of different vessel types sailing on the Upper Danube is evaluated with respect to energy consumption and feasible distances to be sailed. The existing port infrastructure is analysed too, and a selection of possible first bunkering locations is given. Further, the increase of the bunkering frequency is evaluated. The results reveal that for common motor cargo vessels hydrogen may be an option to be further considered in the future.