Green and Lightweight Boat: A Case Study of Samothrace Project

Abstract

The European Union guidelines require innovative solutions for reducing emissions in the maritime transport. Some investigations have been also conducted to underline the advantages of the electrification of the maritime transports, especially for medium-short range boats in comparison with traditional diesel power drives. This study is based on a lightweight boat with green propulsion system. A life cycle assessment analysis was conducted for making a comparison among three different propulsion systems for this catamaran: full electric, hybrid hydrogen and internal combustion engine cases. The obtained results could encourage the spread of a new generation of green and smart boats with onboard sensors that can contribute to the maritime decarbonization and sea digitalization. Electric powertrains are more flexible to the implementation of more sophisticated digital systems for making further efficient the whole power trains in comparison to diesel engines.