Simultaneous Optimization of Electric Ferry Operations and Charging Infrastructure

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mixed-integer linear programming framework for optimizing electric ferry operations and charging infrastructure to reduce costs and facilitate electrification of marine transport.

Contribution

It presents a novel joint optimization model that simultaneously schedules ferry operations, charging infrastructure, and battery sizing.

Findings

Joint system design reduces total costs by 7.8%

Optimization improves ferry operation efficiency and infrastructure planning

Case study on China Zorrilla demonstrates practical benefits.

Abstract

Electrification of marine transport is a promising solution to reduce sector greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. However, the large upfront cost of electric vessels and the required charging infrastructure can be a barrier to the development of this technology. Optimization algorithms that jointly design the charging infrastructure and the operation of electric vessels can help to reduce these costs and make these projects viable. In this paper, we present a mixed-integer linear programming optimization framework that jointly schedules ferry operations, charging infrastructure and ship battery size. We analyze our algorithms with the case of the China Zorrilla, the largest electric ferry in the world, which will operate between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento in 2025. We find that the joint system and operations design can reduce the total costs by 7.8\% compared to a scenario with fixed power limits and no port energy management system.