Optimizing Bunkering Station of Alternative Fuels for Inland Waterway Transport
Maryam Pourbeirami Hir (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
Alex Kirichek (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
N. Pourmohammadzia (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
M. van Koningsveld (Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors, TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
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Abstract
Inland waterway transport (IWT) is increasingly recognized as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to road transport for freight movement. However, the successful adoption of zero-emission fuelsparticularly hydrogen and battery power-depends on the strategic location and capacity of bunkering and charging stations. This extended abstract presents a multi-stage framework that combines simulation and mixed-integer optimization to identify where and how these stations should be deployed. First, a simulation model estimates the fuel consumption of vessels under varied waterway conditions, vessel dimensions, and hydrodynamic influences. Next, an optimization module, modeled within the supply chain, aims to minimize capital and operating expenses while ensuring sufficient fuel availability. Strategically placing multi-fuel stations in high-demand locations reduces infrastructure redundancy and ensures flexible operations. This study underlines the critical role of well-planned bunkering infrastructures and highlights the potential for future expansions in zeroemission vessel networks.