An effective framework for life cycle and cost assessment for marine vessels aiming to select optimal propulsion systems

Abstract

By adopting the concept of modularity, this paper introduced an optimal framework which facilitates life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment, thereby supporting rapid and reliable decision-making in the marine industry. The benefits of the proposed framework were discussed through two case studies where the optimal configurations of marine propulsion systems were determined from the economic and environmental perspectives. First, the performance of a short-route ferry using the hybrid system was compared with those of equivalent ships using diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion systems respectively. Research findings revealed the excellence of the hybrid system in both economic and environmental aspects. Second, the same method was applied to an offshore tug vessel to determine an optimal engine configuration. Results of analysis emphasised that the selection of multiple small-sized engines is more effective than two medium-sized engines. Both studies have proven that the proposed framework would be useful and practical for accelerating the life cycle analysis which allows ship designers and owners to obtain the long-term view of economic and environmental impacts for particular products or systems without demanding process. The paper also opened up the possibility of extending the application of the proposed framework to the areas where proper decision-making is essential but under-used.

Selection of the Most Sustainable Renewable Energy System for Bozcaada Island: Wind vs. Photovoltaic

“…Since the regulatory legislation for ship emissions in the maritime industry has brought the need for improving energy efficiency for environmental benefits, organizations, and governments that started to give funds for research and development studies in this field. Recently, three HORIZON2020 Projects (namely Ship Life cycle software solutions (SHIPLYS, HOLISHIP and LINCOLN) are funded by the European Union (EU) [3], which aims to develop the software integration process for ships considering environmental benefits and their outcomes published in References [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Integration of renewable energy technologies to short-route ferries [10] are also carried out in order to emphasize the importance of such systems in reducing the emissions for the countries that currently have no stringent regulation.…”

Life cycle and economic assessment of a solar panel array applied to a short route ferry

“…To replace the conventional propulsion 114 system driven by oil products, several types of hybrid systems have been introduced, which 115 would utilise both oils and alternative energy sources. Researchers have revealed the excellence 116 of hybrid ships which run on diesel engines and on board battery packs that could be charged 117 from cleaner energy sources (Jeong et al, 2018; J. Ling-Chin and Roskilly, 2016). Their 118 research findings highlighted the benefits of using battery packs in terms of CO2 reduction.…”

Multi-criteria decision-making for marine propulsion: Hybrid, diesel electric and diesel mechanical systems from cost-environment-risk perspectives

“…Aneke and Wang [17] reviewed energy storage technologies applicable to the hybrid ships. Jeong et al [18] illustrated the advantages of a hybrid ship by comparing its performance with equivalent ships with diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion systems. They also presented an enhanced framework to investigate the holistic cost and environmental impacts of marine vessels.…”