As part of Task 5.3, the University of Strathclyde is developing a Matlab-based digital tool to support the performance and environmental impact assessment of alternative fuel systems within the SAFeCRAFT project. This tool is a key component of the project’s digital thread, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of alternative energy solutions and their implications for maritime applications.
The model will estimate both capital investment and operational costs associated with different types of alternative fuels, while also calculating emissions generated during operation and across the system’s lifespan. By integrating technical, economic, and environmental parameters, the tool will support informed decision-making for sustainable fuel adoption in the maritime sector.
A central feature of the tool is its adaptability. It is being designed for customisation across various ship types, system configurations, and operational scenarios, ensuring it can be applied broadly to evaluate diverse decarbonisation pathways. This work represents an important step in SAFeCRAFT’s efforts to enable a data-driven approach to system performance optimisation and environmental impact reduction.
