Implementation of Zero Emission Fast Shortsea Shipping and Design of the Stavanger Demonstrator

Abstract

The paper describes the implementation of state-of-the-art “Industry 4.0” methods and tools, of a holistic ship design optimization and of modular production methods, as well as of advanced battery technologies in the development of an innovative, fully electrical, fast zero-emission catamaran for waterborne urban transport. The design of a fast catamaran passenger ferry prototype (Medstraum), planned for operation as a waterborne shuttle in the Stavanger/Norway area, and of a replicator for operation at the Thames River/London are elaborated, including on land infrastructural issues that are necessary for their operation. The presented research is in the frame of the H2020 funded project “TrAM—Transport: Advanced andModular” (www.tramproject.eu). The international maritime community is amassing momentum in its efforts towards a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is expected to be further accelerated after the upcoming COP261 (COP26: UN Climate Change Conference of Parties) in Glasgow in autumn 2021. The maritime industry is examining alternative ways to contribute actively to this endeavor, despite the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.