Statistical generator sizing and closed bus-tie DP enabled by a battery reserve in Platform Supply Vessels

This study proposes a practical methodology for the sizing and operational assessment of diesel-electric systems in Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) to reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions through optimized generator configuration and operating modes. The vessel mission is divided into five representative segments (Loading in Port (LP), Laden Voyage (LV), Dynamic Positioning (DP), Partial Load Voyage (PLV), and Standby (ST) ). This mission was simulated in HOMER Pro with 1-hour resolution using real Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) curves. The approach selects two diesel generators based on the mean and interquartile mean of the load profile, targeting operation near 85% of rated power, and complements the set to meet peak demand. Six commercial configurations (CASE1–CASE6) are evaluated, including generator load constraints and battery operation as spinning reserve or active dispatch. Results show that optimal generator sizing enabled by battery redundancy reduces mission fuel use by up to 5. 5% compared with the baseline, while closed bus-tie operation with the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as reserve yields up to 31% savings without compromising DP redundancy or altering the diesel set. Shore power during port operations further lowers fuel costs by about USD 52, 800 per year and eliminates local emissions. The results demonstrate the practicality of achieving immediate and scalable emission reductions in diesel PSVs through optimized generator mix and BESS-assisted operation. • Statistical load method sizes two DGs near 85% rated power. • Closed bus-tie DP with BESS reserve cuts DP fuel use by 31%. • Optimized generator mix cuts mission fuel up to 5. 5% vs baseline. • Shore power in port saves 52. 8k/year and removes local emissions. • 1MWh BESS pays back in 2. 3–3. 0 years under analyzed scenarios.