Optimisation of the Energy Consumption of a Small Passenger Ferry with Hybrid Propulsion

Abstract The main goal in the design phase is to create a safe ship with a very efficient (and preferably zero-emission) propulsion system. To obtain such ships, new concepts are being developed for both propulsion systems and individual components. The choice of a propulsion system is not straightforward. To optimise the selection of the propulsion system, it is valuable to optimise the energy demand of this unit, which can be done by creating operational movement profiles that indicate the differences in energy demand needed to cover the same route within similar times. Optimisation can be performed based on many different criteria, especially for crowded waterways, and can not only reduce the amount of energy needed to power the propulsion system but also increase navigational safety. In this work, optimisation is carried out by searching the space of all possible solutions, which allows for an in-depth analysis according to various criteria.