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Concept Design and Performance Evaluation of a Fossil-Free Operated Cargo Ship with Unlimited Range

Author

Listed:
  • Enric Julià

    (Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Division of Marine Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Fabian Tillig

    (Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Division of Marine Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Jonas W. Ringsberg

    (Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences, Division of Marine Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden)

Abstract

To meet the IMO goals of emissions reduction in shipping, drastic actions must be taken. Wind-assisted propulsion and renewable energy sources are today discussed frequently as realistic alternatives for future ship propulsion and energy production. This study presents a new and innovative concept of a fossil-free operated cargo ship aiming to achieve an unlimited range. The purpose of the study is to present the feasibility but also the limitations of a ship propelled and operated purely on renewable energy harnessed at sea, independent from shore-based energy sources. Aside from Flettner rotors for propulsion, the ship concept incorporates photovoltaic generators, wind turbines, and a dual-mode propeller to produce energy for the auxiliary systems and for the Flettner rotors, as well as batteries to balance the energy production and consumption. The dual-mode propeller can be used for energy generation and propulsion, thus levelling out any speed drops or peaks and thereby ensuring more reliable operation. The whole system is modelled numerically, and full ship voyages are simulated using the ship performance model ShipCLEAN. Results show feasible achieved speeds on a route with realistic weather conditions. However, negative energy balances limit the pure renewable sailing conditions. Further logistic and technical challenges are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Enric Julià & Fabian Tillig & Jonas W. Ringsberg, 2020. "Concept Design and Performance Evaluation of a Fossil-Free Operated Cargo Ship with Unlimited Range," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6609-:d:399374
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Leloup, R. & Roncin, K. & Behrel, M. & Bles, G. & Leroux, J.-B. & Jochum, C. & Parlier, Y., 2016. "A continuous and analytical modeling for kites as auxiliary propulsion devoted to merchant ships, including fuel saving estimation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 483-496.
    2. Hai Lan & Jinfeng Dai & Shuli Wen & Ying-Yi Hong & David C. Yu & Yifei Bai, 2015. "Optimal Tilt Angle of Photovoltaic Arrays and Economic Allocation of Energy Storage System on Large Oil Tanker Ship," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Lan, Hai & Wen, Shuli & Hong, Ying-Yi & Yu, David C. & Zhang, Lijun, 2015. "Optimal sizing of hybrid PV/diesel/battery in ship power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 26-34.
    4. Liu, Pengfei & Bose, Neil & Chen, Keqiang & Xu, Yiyi, 2018. "Development and optimization of dual-mode propellers for renewable energy," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 566-576.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad Hossein Arabnejad & Fabian Thies & Hua-Dong Yao & Jonas W. Ringsberg, 2025. "Life Cycle Assessment Method for Ship Fuels Using a Ship Performance Prediction Model and Actual Operation Conditions—Case Study of Wind-Assisted Cargo Ship," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Marcin Kolodziejski & Mariusz Sosnowski, 2025. "Review of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems in Maritime Transport," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-33, February.
    3. Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Zarkhah, Nava & Akhond Dezfouli, Parsa & Samankan, Saba & Yan, Wei-Mon, 2025. "A review of the applications of solar photovoltaic in marine vessels and ships," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 396(C).
    4. Jun Yuan & Jiang Zhu & Victor Nian, 2020. "Neural Network Modeling Based on the Bayesian Method for Evaluating Shipping Mitigation Measures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-14, December.

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