Integrating alternative fuels in a patrol vessel fleet

Adopting alternative climate neutral energy carriers to contribute to an environmentally friendly future

Master Thesis (2025)
Author(s)

L. van den Elsen (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Contributor(s)

P. Vos – Mentor (TU Delft - Ship Design, Production and Operations)

J.L. Gelling – Mentor (TU Delft - Ship Design, Production and Operations)

Loek Verheijen – Mentor (Rijksrederij)

Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
26-08-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
['Marine Technology | Ship Design']
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
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Abstract

This thesis aims to determine whether a battery pack, hydrogen or methanol is the most suitable climate-neutral energy carrier for the next generation of Rijkswaterstaat patrol vessels. The highest plausible required energy storage capacity in three distinct operating region types was estimated. Through iteration of the ship resistance and the power plant weight, the technical feasibility of each carrier was tested in all three region types. It was found that the implementation of alternative energy carriers will require an increase in vessel size and weight if the current operational autonomy is to be maintained. For relatively small operating regions with strict speed limitations, batteries are the most suited carrier, while methanol is best suited for large patrol regions where patrol vessels operate at higher speeds.

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