A modularly tailored commuter ferry platform

Background: Among the challenges for implementation of Waterborne public transportation (WPT) are the difficulties in procuring efficient ferries tailored towards local requirements. Fundamental questions on the ferry’s environmental impact, speed and procurement costs linger in the public transport (PTP) mind. Objective: In this paper, a methodology for adopting a platform architecture for ferries is illustrated by a modular design approach. Methods: For this, WPT operational profiles are categorized by three route types in a structure for operational requirements including sustainability performance. Generic parameters for size and speed of WPT ferries are defined. Using these parameters as a skeletal structure, a modular commuter ferry concept is proposed as a set of basic modules. As a combination of these functionally independent modules, a ferry can be tailored to fit the operational requirements. Results: The paper proposes standard sizes for waterborne commuter craft and shows that ferries are compatible with land-based public transport in terms of energy efficiency and speed. Suitable speed ranges for mono hulls and catamarans are investigated and the idea of modular design for rational procurement is explored and illustrated for the three type routes. Conclusions: The proposed concepts can make WPT more attractive for PTPs as a sustainable option to complement the existing network.