The optimal hybrid/electric ferry for the Liguria Natural Parks

With this work we want to contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of using an electric/hybrid Ferry boat for tourist transportation in a real case. For this purpose, it is necessary to define the “optimal” systems configuration of the Ferry boat in term of engine power, energy storage and photovoltaic system sizes and also percentage of hybrid or pure electric usage. However the adjective “optimal” cannot have an absolute definition because it strongly depends on the context we are evaluating the problem and also subjective factors, not easily quantifiable, enter the evaluation of optimal system. For example, for a ferry working in marine Natural Parks like those around La Spezia harbor, operating and initial costs are important parameters to be considered, but pollution, noise and comfort are at least as much important ones. Moreover, due to the constraints given by the battery storage system (volume, weight, cost and recharge time) the hybrid/electric system of the ferry must be well targeted at the specific routes and possible stages in the transport service around the La Spezia Gulf. For that reason, we focus to the determination of an optimal hybrid ferryboat, aimed at the specific case of La Spezia. We think that the analysis here performed can be replicated to other cases and may be useful in showing the potential of these new technologies for a more sustainable boating, both from the environmental and economic point of view, while also improving the service provided to passengers, especially in terms of comfort.