The Colour-coded Hydrogen Production; An Overview of Environmental Impacts, Economic Implications, Technology Readiness Level and Maritime Skills

The Colour-coded Hydrogen Production; An Overview of Environmental Impacts, Economic Implications, Technology Readiness Level and Maritime Skills

by | Jun 8, 2025 | SAJMET, SAJMET V3

The Colour-coded Hydrogen Production; An Overview of Environmental Impacts,
Economic Implications, Technology Readiness Level and Maritime Skills

Author: Thandeka Tembe

ISSN: 2790-783X
Affiliations: Research Associate, South African International Maritime Institute
Source: South African Journal of Maritime Education and Training, Volume 3 Issue 1, p. 78-101
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAJMET/2024/i1a7

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Thandeka Tembe
The Colour-coded Hydrogen Production: An Overview of Environmental Impacts, Economic Implications, Technology Readiness Level and Maritime Skills
South African Journal of Maritime Education and Training, Volume 3 Issue 1, p. 78-101 https://doi.org/10.47348/SAJMET/2024/i1a7

Abstract

Decarbonisation is central to addressing hard-to-abate industries, with the hydrogen economy emerging as a main solution. Currently, hydrogen production predominantly comes from a fossil fuel base, using steam methane reforming (SMR), coal gasification and natural gas responding to the conventional colours of hydrogen (grey, black and brown hydrogen), each with a significant environmental footprint. The growing interest in hydrogen production has led to further research into existing and alternative hydrogen production methods, giving rise to a spectrum of hydrogen colours. Darker colours are typically associated with fossil fuels, whereas lighter colours, particularly green derived from renewable energy sources, are considered cleaner alternatives. Additionally, hydrogen production processes include methane pyrolysis and thermolysis/thermochemical, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the different colours of hydrogen. The study provides an overview of the 10 hydrogen colours, detailing their production process, sources of energy and the four environmental impacts focusing on eutrophication, global warming potential (GWP), acidification and resource depletion. Furthermore, the study examines the technology readiness levels (TRLs) and the cost of hydrogen production in South Africa. The results indicate that sustainable hydrogen production methods, such as green hydrogen, cost more than the conventional alternatives. Conventional hydrogen colours have reached full technology maturity (TRL 9), whereas the newer technologies remain in their infancy. Additionally, conventional hydrogen production methods exhibit higher environmental impacts compared to more sustainable hydrogen alternatives. In addition, the study highlights the need for further skills development to support the integration of alternative fuels, particularly the various colours of hydrogen, within maritime sector applications.

The Colour-coded Hydrogen Production; An Overview of Environmental Impacts, Economic Implications, Technology Readiness Level and Maritime Skills

Assessment of Digital Competencies in South African Maritime Education and Training Institutions: A Study of Evaluation Methods for Future Seafarers

by | Jun 8, 2025 | SAJMET, SAJMET V3

Assessment of Digital Competencies in South African Maritime Education and Training Institutions: A Study of Evaluation Methods for Future Seafarers

Author: Dineo Cleo Mke

ISSN: 2790-783X
Affiliations: MSc in Maritime Affairs Graduate (2024), World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden; South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA),
South Africa
Source: South African Journal of Maritime Education and Training, Volume 3 Issue 1, p. 103-120
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAJMET/2024/i1a8

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Dineo Cleo Mke
Assessment of Digital Competencies in South African Maritime Education and Training Institutions: A Study of Evaluation Methods for Future Seafarers
South African Journal of Maritime Education and Training, Volume 3 Issue 1, p. 103-120 https://doi.org/10.47348/SAJMET/2024/i1a8

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the Covid-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the global maritime industry, requiring maritime education and training (MET) institutions to adapt to new digital competencies. While 4IR created awareness of digital competencies as a key to drive digitalisation, the Covid-19 pandemic ‘forced’ us to adapt to new situations. The rapid changes in the maritime industry, driven by technological advancements, are resulting in future seafarers requiring digital competencies, and South African MET institutions are faced with delivering seafarer training for students entering this environment. The study aimed to identify the skills required for seafarers in the digital era and to evaluate the preparedness levels of MET institutions to address this need in courses that offer such skills in the context of South Africa. Best practices in assessing digital competencies in South African MET institutions and identify gaps in current practices were also investigated. The study explored the alignment of identified critical digital competencies with the constructs of the various evaluation methods used to assess these competencies. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using a phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of South African MET professionals regarding digital competency assessment practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven representatives from MET institutions, encompassing managerial and operational levels. The findings highlight the need for improved guidelines, industry collaboration and staff development to address skills shortages and to align with global standards. Enhanced frameworks and continuous updates are essential to equip seafarers with the technical proficiency required for the rapidly digitalizing maritime industry, ensuring their readiness to navigate evolving technological and operational landscapes. The study concludes by emphasising the need for standardised competency frameworks, updated curricula, enhanced simulators and international collaborations to align MET institutions to global standards.