Modelling the Daily Electricity Demand of Electric Vessels in Plymouth

TL;DR

This paper models the increased daily electricity demand at Plymouth port due to converting vessels to battery power, aiding in understanding grid impacts of maritime decarbonization.

Contribution

It introduces a data-driven model predicting hourly energy demand increases from battery-powered vessels based on port call data.

Findings

Predicted significant rise in electricity demand during peak port activity.

Model indicates potential grid capacity challenges with widespread vessel electrification.

Provides a framework for planning energy infrastructure for maritime decarbonization.

Abstract

The international Maritime Organization (IMO) has set the target of reducing the emissions from the shipping sector to at least 50% of the 2008 levels. One potential method to cut emissions is to convert vessels to battery powered propulsion in a similar manner to that which has been adopted for motor vehicles. Although, battery powered propulsion will not be suitable for all vessels, the conversion of those that are will lead to an increase in the energy demand from the national grid. This study uses historic port call data is used to model the timings of arrivals and the number of vessels in the port of Plymouth to predict the increase in additional energy demand required for battery powered vessels through a period of 24 hours as a greater proportion of the fleet move to battery powered propulsion.