Speaking at the CIMAC conference in Vancouver recently, Dr Alexander Knafl, MAN Energy Solutions, presented the results of a new study conducted by MAN Energy Solutions, Corvus Energy and DNV GL, which examined the potential of using batteries in a container feeder vessel, to assess if it is possible to both reduce emissions and save operational costs.
As global pressure on reducing shipping emissions is on for the shipping industry, especially after the IMO’s ambition to reduce shipping emissions 50% by 2050 as compared to 2008, the three companies joined forced to explore the cost effectiveness of hybrid power solutions on a 1,700 TEU container feeder vessel.
We were looking at where hybrid systems could offer significant efficiency gains, which pointed to operational states with fluctuating power demand. This typically occurs with large consumers such as cranes, pumps, ventilation fans, or manoeuvring equipment, especially in port. Container feeders, with their frequent port stays and increased time in port, are ripe for efficiency gains through the use of hybrid solutions. Also, as this fleet is aging, new tonnage is likely to be on order in the near future,
…explained Hans Anton Tvete, DNV GL.
The study explored two main scenarios, a vessel built in 2020 with a 500kWh battery system replacing one genset used for peak shaving and as a spinning reserve, and a vessel built in 2030, using a much larger 11MWh hybrid system for zero emission port entry and exit.
Under the first scenario, with the hybrid power train resulting in an approximately 13% total cost for the vessel, payback times are as low as two to three years.
However, the larger system increases the costs of the vessel significantly, meaning that only with a combination of lower prices for the battery system and higher fuel costs than today would the system be economically attractive.
Focusing on a container feeder vessel we were able to generate a typical propulsion power profile from vessel speed data, as well as an artificial time-resolved electrical load profile from the according electrical load table. These are the most important inputs for the MAN simulation tool ECO-ESS. Together with the specific battery and engine characteristics, it is possible to optimize the size of a battery in a hybrid propulsion system for the 2020 and 2030 scenario as an optimum of additional CAPEX and OPEX savings,
…added Carina Kern, MAN Energy Solutions.
Energy storage has proven to be a highly successful way to reduce emissions for several categories of ships. If we speed up the adoption of green technology for vessels transporting goods, then we will really get results! Container vessels are often ‘low cost’ vessels and there is a reluctance to invest in green technology without other initiatives in place. To reach the global goal of 50% carbon emission reduction by 2050, strict regulations and various governmental initiatives are required. Initiatives such as funding for new buildings, slot priority in harbors and reduced port fees for vessels with improved environmental systems will help greatly,
…said Tommy Sletten, Corvus Energy.
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