Flexible integration of alternative fuels onboard ships requires solutions that can be adapted to different vessel types, sizes and operations. Led by the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at NTUA, SAFeCRAFT’s Task 4.4 is developing a modularity and scalability framework informed by work carried out in the NH3CRAFT and LH2CRAFT projects.
In NH3CRAFT, six distinct modular tank configurations were examined through vessel case studies under Tasks 3.4 and 4.6. This work also explored the development of standardised, off-the-shelf Type C tank configurations. LH2CRAFT extended the modular approach to liquid hydrogen. Its Deliverable D4.3 examined nine vessel cases to assess how alternative cargo containment systems could be integrated onboard for cargo and/or fuel use.
LH2CRAFT Deliverable D5.3 also addressed modularity and scalability in the hydrogen handling, distribution and monitoring subsystems (HDMSS). Its engineering work considered how components such as pumps, heat exchangers and vacuum management units could scale alongside storage volumes.
SAFeCRAFT is drawing on this experience to examine ammonia and hydrogen solutions for different vessel applications. Task 4.4 follows a series of steps:
- Define five vessel types: bulk carrier, tanker, container ship, Ro-PAX vessel and open ferry.
- Classify vessels as small, medium or large using size categories based on capacity measures such as GT, DWT and TEU.
- Examine powertrain scenarios across the five vessel types and three size categories, producing 15 initial vessel and size cases. Not every case may be feasible.
- Determine the fuel capacity required for each case based on its operational profile and available onboard space, then identify suitable tank types and volumes.
- Define the corresponding auxiliary units and estimate key variables, including fuel flow, boil-off rates and storage conditions.
- Calculate energy requirements and the required capacities of auxiliary equipment.
By considering both fuel containment and distribution, Task 4.4 is helping SAFeCRAFT develop scalable solutions for integrating alternative fuels onboard a range of ships.
