Feasibility assessment of zero-emission high-speed passenger vessels using optimal energy scheduling and power allocation

The transition of existing high-speed passenger vessels (HSPVs) to zero-emission alternatives requires a feasibility assessment of potential retrofit solutions. This study investigates whether a conventional HSPV can be retrofitted with a zero-emission power system by evaluating two approaches: iterative vessel redesign and fixed-size retrofit. The iterative approach, employing a resistance model and an optimization-based energy management method with high computational efficiency, adjusts vessel dimensions to accommodate the added weight of two different hybrid power system configurations—a non-plugin hybrid system and a plugin hybrid system—both consisting of a fuel cell (FC) and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The fixed-size retrofit approach assesses the feasibility of a BESS-only power system with shoreside charging or battery swapping. The assessment is conducted for the case of an HSPV operating along the coastal region of Norway, the MS Elsa Laula Renberg. Results reveal that retrofitting with hybrid power systems requires iterative vessel adjustments, where a plugin hybrid case with shoreside charging becomes the lightest solution. In contrast, retrofitting the vessel with a BESS under the specified setup without hull modifications is infeasible due to excessive weight. However, a prospective analysis shows that advances in battery technology could make the fixed-size retrofit feasible.