Electrification of Ferries on Local Transport Routes: A Case Study of the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Master thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3176145Utgivelsesdato
2024Metadata
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Sammendrag
This thesis provides a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable electrification of the case vessel MF Grbalj, which operates on a local transport route in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. The study evaluates technical, environmental, economic and safety aspects proposing potential solutions while highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.
The findings reveal significant challenges for all-electric propulsion, primarily due to insufficient grid capacity, infrastructure and a reliance on coal for electricity generation, which increases GHG emissions about six times compared to diesel propulsion. A battery swapping method is proposed to overcome these barriers, although initial investment cost and dependence on renewable sources to provide electricity remains a constraint.
Hybrid propulsion emerges as the most feasible solution in the current environment.
Three hybrid configurations are analyzed:
Case 1: Battery storage to power auxiliary systems.
Case 2: Hybrid-mechanical propulsion with load leveling and auxiliary power support.
Case 3: Cyclic all-electric hybrid operation.
The findings demonstrate that hybrid propulsion, particularly Case 2, provides the optimal balance of cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. The battery use for load leveling and auxiliary power reduces 20.38% or 49.57 tonnes of GHG emissions annually. Economic feasibility is assessed using metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR), supported by detailed operational and battery sizing analyses. Economic analyses showed high financial sustainability with an IRR of 53% and positive NPV for this case.
Integrating a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system supports a potential transition from diesel-mechanical propulsion to hybrid and all-electric propulsion. A Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system reduces GHG emissions but cannot significantly impact the ferry's total energy demand. If integrated with a hybrid system, PV can reduce GHG emissions by 5.2%, or 12.6 tonnes annually, with a positive NPV and an IRR of 15%.
Safety impact has been evaluated in terms of stability and fire risk. Analyses did not find obstructions for implementing this systems.
The study concludes that hybrid propulsion, supported by PV systems, offers an immediate and practical pathway to achieving lower emissions and operational savings. Promising, full electrification requires further infrastructure and technology advancements for broader adoption.
Beskrivelse
Master of Maritime Operations Maritime Technology and Management Haugesund