International Shipbuilding Progress - Volume 67, issue 1

Authors: Visser, Klaas | Baldi, Francesco | van Biert, Lindert

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-209002

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 1-3, 2020

Authors: Mestemaker, Benny | van den Heuvel, Henrik | Gonçalves Castro, Bernardete

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: One of the major challenges facing the maritime sector today is the transition to zero emission carbon-neutral vessels. In particular, work vessels such as dredging vessels are required to operate worldwide and under heavy conditions. These vessels have a high power density, limited on-board space, require often a large autonomy, and therefore will need very energy dense fuels. This article presents an environmental and economic assessment of four cutter suction dredger drive system design alternatives with the life cycle performance assessment tool. This tool includes the most important environmental factors as well as the net present value. The effect of …emission costs and fuel price developments may be taken into account with scenarios, and this article illustrates that they have a large effect on the economic viability of future zero emission vessels. A combination of clean fuels, new prime mover technologies, efficient design and effective system integration has the potential to achieve zero emissions while maintaining the vessels’ functionality. However, technology alone cannot solve the complex challenge of energy transition in the maritime sector. In order to make zero emission designs economically viable, a system wide integration is needed, meaning cooperation in the value chain and effective policies. Show more

Keywords: Life cycle performance assessment, zero emission vessels, alternative fuels, energy efficiency, emission costs

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-190276

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 5-31, 2020

Authors: Taccani, Rodolfo | Malabotti, Stefano | Dall’Armi, Chiara | Micheli, Diego

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The upcoming stricter limitations on both pollutant and greenhouse gases emissions represent a challenge for the shipping sector. The entire ship design process requires an approach to innovation, with a particular focus on both the fuel choice and the power generation system. Among the possible alternatives, natural gas and hydrogen based propulsion systems seem to be promising in the medium and long term. Nonetheless, natural gas and hydrogen storage still represents a problem in terms of cargo volume reduction. This paper focuses on the storage issue, considering compressed gases, and presents an innovative solution, which has been developed in the …European project GASVESSEL® that allows to store gaseous fuels with an energy density higher than conventional intermediate pressure containment systems. After a general overview of natural gas and hydrogen as fuels for shipping, a case study of a small Roll-on/Roll-off passenger ferry retrofit is proposed. The study analyses the technical feasibility of the installation of a hybrid power system with batteries and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, fuelled by hydrogen. In particular, a process simulation model has been implemented to assess the quantity of hydrogen that can be stored on board, taking into account boundary conditions such as filling time, on shore storage capacity and cylinder wall temperature. The simulation results show that, if the fuel cells system is run continuously at steady state, to cover the energy need for one day of operation 140 kg of hydrogen are required. Using the innovative pressure cylinder at a storage pressure of 300 bar the volume required by the storage system, assessed on the basis of the containment system outer dimensions, is resulted to be 15.2 m3 with a weight of 2.5 ton. Even if the innovative type of pressure cylinder allows to reach an energy density higher than conventional intermediate pressure cylinders, the volume necessary to store a quantity of energy typical for the shipping sector is many times higher than that required by conventional fuels today used. The analysis points out, as expected, that the filling process is critical to maximize the stored hydrogen mass and that it is critical to measure the temperature of the cylinder walls in order not to exceed the material limits. Nevertheless, for specific application such as the one considered in the paper, the introduction of gaseous hydrogen as fuel, can be considered for implementing zero local emission propulsion system in the medium term. Show more

Keywords: Ship propulsion, hydrogen storage, ship emissions, fuel cells

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-190274

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 33-56, 2020

Authors: Diesveld, Bart | De Maeyer, Evy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The environmental impact of ships needs to be reduced by using more sustainable and cleaner solutions for power generation on board to meet the increasing amount of regulations. Fuel cells are seen as one of the most promising solutions to address this challenge. There are various fuel cell technologies which can be combined with different fuel types, resulting in a large number of options. In order to find the best prospect, a review of the fuel and fuel cell technologies is performed to get an understanding of the possibilities and applicability of fuel cells on superyachts. Various systems were …compared on the following characteristics: density, storage type, maturity, safety, and emissions. Based on these characteristics a decision-making tool was developed to assist in the decision-making process considering of many variables. Using this tool, it has become clear that a fuel cell solution should be specifically selected for any different type of application. The required applications or required usage of a fuel cell could lead to the selection of a completely different type of technology. Show more

Keywords: Alternative fuels, fuel cell

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-190275

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 57-77, 2020

Authors: Köhler, Jonathan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper introduces the MATISSE-SHIP model for illustrative long term scenarios of technical change in shipping. It applies current theory for sustainable innovation – ‘transition theory’ – and uses an agent-based modelling (ABM) approach that explicitly represents a range of decision makers with different decision criteria. It models investment decisions for new ships, concentrating on the choice of power train and generates time paths of shares of a range of propulsion technologies. Two scenarios were generated to illustrate pathways under which hydrogen achieves a major market in shipping by 2050: 1) If current SOx /NOx legislation does not lead to the …large scale adoption of LNG and there is an expectation of strengthened climate change policy in the medium term, wind/H2 combined power systems take off, as they can demonstrate cost savings with GHG emissions reductions. The need for high power applications may lead to the uptake of biofuels as they can provide significant reductions in GHG emissions, while not requiring new bunker infrastructure or changes in operating patterns. 2) If, in addition to these developments, there is acceptance of changes in operations towards lower speeds in container shipping and biofuels remain limited in their adoption (e.g. due to limited supply and high fuel costs), combined wind/H2 propulsion systems could be the main alternative to 2050. High power installations are then covered by fossil fuels to 2050, with Power to Gas/Liquid technologies being developed in the longer term. Show more

Keywords: Matisse-SHIP, zero emissions shipping scenarios, transitions model

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-190269

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 79-95, 2020

Authors: Aarskog, Fredrik G. | Danebergs, Janis | Strømgren, Trond | Ulleberg, Øystein

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Norway is facing the challenge of reducing transport emissions. High speed crafts (HSC) are the means of transport with highest emissions. Currently there is little literature or experience of using hydrogen systems for HSC. Objective: Evaluate the economic feasibility of fuel cell (FC) powered HSC vs diesel and biodiesel today, and in a future scenario, based on real world operation profile. Method: Historical AIS position data from the route combined with the speed-power characteristics of a concept vessel was used to identify the energy and power demand. From the resulting data a suitable FC system …was defined, and an economic comparison made based on annual costs including annualized investment and operational costs. Results: HSC with a FC-system has an annual cost of 12.6 MNOK. It is 28% and 12% more expensive than diesel and biodiesel alternative, respectively. A sensitivity analysis with respect to 7 key design parameters indicates that highest impact is made by hull energy efficiency, FC system cost and hydrogen fuel cost. In a future scenario (2025–2030) with moderate technology improvements and cost development, the HSC with FC-systems can become competitive with diesel and cheaper than biodiesel. Conclusions: HSC with FC-systems may reach cost parity with conventional diesel in the period 2025–2030. Show more

Keywords: Energy system, dimensioning, high speed passenger ferry, hydrogen, PEM fuel cells, AIS data

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-190273

Citation: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 67, no. 1, pp. 97-123, 2020