The growing international diffusion of vessels (motorboats, ferries, etc.) electrified or, to a lesser extent, powered by hydrogen or other chemical compounds justifies the opportunity to address, from a technical-realization point of view, the potential adoption of these solutions in maritime mobility for public transport use on island distribution networks and in particular on smaller islands, taking into account the particular infrastructural and environmental context in which they are located.

This paper presents a detailed analysis of a likely scenario for the operation of a vessel, currently running on diesel fuel, converted to electric power on a route between an Italian mainland port and a small island. The vessel’s recharging needs have been assessed in terms of quantifying the energy and time required. The results generally show a favorable situation for conversion to the electric carrier. The whole context is accompanied by a description of the national and international legislative order points on the subject.

The second part of the report is dedicated to the rail sector. The scenario of substitution of diesel traction with alternative hydrogen and catenary solutions has been evaluated for a study line identified among those susceptible to conversion, including the tram-train version. Finally, a technical-economic cost-effectiveness estimation is carried out in relation to the power supply used and its impact on local electrical distribution networks. In this sense, the catenary electrification solution proves more appropriate for the case study.

The concluding section continues the activity of monitoring legislative and technical developments in the field of sustainable mobility in the public version. In effect, CONSIP and major transport companies are issuing tenders for the supply of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles (such as buses, minibuses, etc.) with relevant frequency.