First Aid for a Sustainable Ship - Inland Waterways + Shore Battery
Case study for an inland waterway general cargo ship powered by a battery while moored
This is a techno-economic case study of an inland waterways general cargo ship that uses a shore battery while moored. This case study is powered by our preferred partner Skoon, who can support you with acquiring a shore battery for your vessel. Providing shore power by battery for inland vessels is a common practice, though not matured. Challenges include plug interoperability, charging power and time required for the battery, as well as availability as these batteries are in extremely high demand. Batteries can help you comply with shore power regulations where no infrastructure exists with limited to no CAPEX investments.
Case study is the ‘Skoon Skipper’, a general cargo large Rhine vessel, with an average of 40 [kW] power demand while moored.
100% CO2 reduction is achieved when operating on a battery while moored, assuming green electricity is used.
Approximately 500 [kWh] are needed to power the Skoon Skipper for half a day, which would fit into a 10 ft. container.
CAPEX is €0 for this case study as the battery pack is rented at an estimated €400 dayrate. Purchase cost for battery pack are approx. €350.000.
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Ship type considerations - Inland Waterways
Diesel-electric (or full electric) propulsion is incredibly efficient and effective while moored, in particular ‘limited sized battery packs’ for inland ships (up to 500 kWh). A significant advantage of using (replaceable) batteries for inland vessels, is the fact that they are always close to shore and therefore logistics of battery supply when needed is easier compared to seagoing and international crafts. Electrification while moored is greatly benefitted when solar PV is added.
Electrification by battery while moored is advised from a technical viewpoint, as generally the required average power demands are well below 40 [kW] for these types of vessels. In addition, the vessels would only require battery power during the night for a period of 8-12 hours (max). The required CAPEX investment for such a size battery pack however (500 [kWh]) are in the order of €350.000. Hence renting these battery packs when needed is an economically sensible solution.
Alternatives for inland vessels include solar PV (as stated), full electrification (for example Zero Emission Services), refitting your engine to alternative fuels such as methanol or even the use of hydrogen.
Technology considerations - Shore Battery
As a rule of thumb, a battery pack will cost you €500 per [kWh] for purchase, and €1 per [kWh] per day plus €1 per [kW] per day for rental. The rental costs are conservative estimates and can be halved in the case of long-term rentals.
Pending on your specific case and route, using a shore battery for shore power purposes can reduce costs by €100-€200 per day for inland vessels. Most of the costs savings however is due to reduced engine maintenance, and depends heavily on fuel price, contract and kWh-price for the batter or shore power connection.
Shore power virtually eliminates noise pollution, greatly improving comfort for your crew onboard. This aspect is becoming increasingly more important in city centres (especially in North Western Europe).
