First Aid for a Sustainable Ship - Inland Waterways + Solar PV
Example of the Decarbonizer for an inland waterway ship with solar PV while moored
This is a case study on how to decarbonize an inland waterway ship with solar PV technology. Flexible solar PV panels from Wattlab are placed on an inland ship’s hatches in order to reduce fuel consumption while idling or moored. In some cases, the auxiliary generators can be switched off. This will result in a significant cost reduction due to the reduction of fuel consumption and engine maintenance hours. In addition, this practice would make the vessel comply with the AFIR and FuelEU Maritime regulations, which will make shore power mandatory from 2030 onwards.
Case study is ‘Sunny Sailor’, a large Rhineship operating in North-Westhern Europe with 1760 kW installed power.
Average power consumption while moored is 26 kW.
Solar PV can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 25% - 100% if so desired.
CAPEX for applying solar PV to this ship are estimated at approximately €150.000, payback period is in the order of 5+ years for this case study.
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Ship type considerations - Inland Waterway
From a technical and supply chain viewpoint, inland waterway ships lend themselves very well for the application of solar PV. Experience from skippers is that the technology is easy to use on board and the reduction of engine hours - or even completely shutting down auxiliaries - is of great benefit in rural areas as it greatly reduces sound apart from cost.
Considering most inland vessels will most likely be faced with the reality of mandatory shore power or otherwise zero emission production while moored in the EU by 2030, this technology will go a long way of achieving that goal.
Technology considerations - Solar PV Technology
Solar PV is by far one of the easiest methods to reduce emissions, especially when idle or moored.
Solar PV reduces electric hotel load, but does not contribute to propulsion emission reduction in direct-drive ships unless a power take-in system is applied.
Solar PV requires a battery pack - in most cases - in order to generate a stable grid on the vessel, thereby providing the ability to shutdown the auxiliary generator while moored.
Because solar PV only works during the day - obviously - a battery pack is also needed to store excess energy for nightly consumption and thus make the need for a shore power connection obsolete.
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During the consult, we will update the report and answer all your questions.
At the end of the consult, you have an updated report that satisfies all your needs. If not, you have money back guarantee!
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It is a lot to take in. We know that. Maritime sustainability is complex and not always easy to understand. That is why we provide the tool, consult plus a customized report based on your feedback so you can take your time and share this information with colleagues to derive at better decisions for your company and vessel.
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It is not always a sexy thing to say when it comes to sustainability, but in the end it is all about the resulting cost impact to your operations. We know how important this is to you. That is why all our tools and calculations are aimed at making you comply with regulations - perhaps a little beyond - while aiming for the lowest cost to make this happen. Our premium reporting and consulting will allow you to get all the details on the CAPEX and OPEX cost in your current and future situation.
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Click on the link below to purchase the report
Fill in the Decarbonizer
You will receive a preliminary report and an invite for a one hour consult
During the consult, we will update the report and answer all your questions.
At the end of the consult, you have an updated report that satisfies all your needs. If not, you have a money back guarantee!