Toward a Decision Support System for Energy-Efficient Ferry Operation on Lake Constance based on Optimal Control

TL;DR

This paper develops a decision support system using optimal control for energy-efficient ferry operations on Lake Constance, integrating real-time data and environmental factors to improve efficiency and operational guidance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optimal control framework tailored for inland ferry operations, considering environmental disturbances and real-time data integration.

Findings

Enhanced operational efficiency demonstrated in scenarios

Effective real-time guidance for ferry crews

Potential for energy savings and improved maneuvering

Abstract

The maritime sector is undergoing a disruptive technological change driven by three main factors: autonomy, decarbonization, and digital transformation. Addressing these factors necessitates a reassessment of inland vessel operations. This paper presents the design and development of a decision support system for ferry operations based on a shrinking-horizon optimal control framework. The problem formulation incorporates a mathematical model of the ferry's dynamics and environmental disturbances, specifically water currents and wind, which can significantly influence the dynamics. Real-world data and illustrative scenarios demonstrate the potential of the proposed system to effectively support ferry crews by providing real-time guidance. This enables enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining predefined maneuver durations. The findings suggest that optimal control applications hold substantial promise for advancing future ferry operations on inland waters. A video of the real-world ferry MS Insel Mainau operating on Lake Constance is available at: https://youtu.be/i1MjCdbEQyE