Techno-economic and life cycle cost analysis for hybrid short-sea passenger vessels based on optimization of different energy storage configurations and management

Abstract

The decarbonization of short-sea shipping requires a multifaceted approach, with advanced battery technologies and renewable energy sources (RES) offering a viable pathway toward zero-emission maritime transport. Although battery-powered energy storage systems are gaining traction in various industries, their integration into short-sea shipping remains challenging due to operational constraints such as frequent short port stops and the need for efficient shore-side charging infrastructure. This study aims to identify the most suitable battery technology for hybrid vessels, balancing environmental and economic considerations. By analyzing seven distinct electrification configurations integrating photovoltaic energy and various battery technologies, including lead–acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-iron batteries, this research evaluates performance under different depths of discharge (DOD) and dispatch strategies. A life cycle cost analysis is conducted for a passenger vessel in Greece, comparing optimization techniques such as genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA), dragonfly algorithm (DA), grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and moth-flame optimizer (MFO) to determine the most efficient and cost-effective battery system. The results indicate that lead–acid batteries operating at 80% DOD yield significant advantages in both economic and environmental terms. While nickel-iron batteries offer some cost-related benefits, they are associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions and larger system size. Among the optimization techniques, the GOA consistently demonstrates robust and efficient performance across all evaluated cases. These findings offer valuable insights for selecting battery systems to enhance the environmental and economic performance of hybrid vessels operating on coastal routes.