The latest study of the Dutch Green Deal Validation program is about Electrification of oceangoing vessels. Although there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, the report shows a possible fuel saving up to 9% for vessels with frequent low-speed or dynamic operations.
The summary provides quick insight into the most important findings.
The feasibility and benefits are highly dependent on vessel type, operational profile and integration challenges. The most promising candidates for electrification are vessels with frequent low-speed or dynamic operations: tugs, dredgers and offshore supply vessels, which can benefit to fuel savings up to 9% according to this study.
For vessels such as crew tenders and mega yachts, space and weight constraints may limit the practicality of full electrification. For general cargo vessels and similar types, the business case is found challenging under the used assumptions; which resulted in increased CAPEX, with minor OPEX reduction for electrified systems compared to direct driven diesel variants.
However, electrification can contribute to improved operating conditions for onboard main machinery, increased onboard crew comfort, more freedom in the general arrangement of ship’s design, flexibility for future upgrades in the onboard energy supply and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants (NOx, SOx, PM).
The study is part of the Dutch Green Deal program, aiming to validate emission reduction technologies for the maritime sector, with a focus on electrification as a pathway to meet ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets set by the IMO and the Dutch government.
To read the full summary and report, click the download button at the Green Deal page.
