Green steel is gaining momentum in shipbuilding, but how do we know if it really delivers on its climate promise? A Vessel LCA makes it possible to measure and compare the true impact of alternative materials.
As decarbonization accelerates across maritime, shipbuilders and owners are exploring new materials to reduce their climate footprint and green steel has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about solutions.
Unlike traditional steel, green steel is produced using low-carbon processes, such as hydrogen-based direct reduction or electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. But switching materials at scale is a significant investment. To make informed decisions, the industry needs more than marketing — it needs data.
That’s where Vessel LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) comes in. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies the environmental impact of a product or system across its entire lifespan, from raw materials to disposal.
Green steel promises lower embodied emissions, but the actual climate impact depends on:
A Vessel LCA makes it possible to answer questions like:
Without an LCA, these decisions are based on assumptions. With it, they're based on measurable impact.
You don’t have to wait until a ship is built to run an LCA. In fact, the earlier it’s done, the more value it brings.
Use a Vessel LCA to:
At ReFlow, we help naval arichitects, equipment suppliers, and ship owners assess the carbon impact of their material choices with:
Our goal is to empower more confident decisions backed by data, not assumptions.
Looking to validate your use of green steel in vessel design?
Let’s talk about how we can support smarter material decisions through lifecycle modeling and science-based carbon data.
