10132944Intelligent Net Zero Design: Smart digital tools for optimizing powertrains on wind assisted shipsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKAs a contributor of at least 3% of anthropogenic global carbon emissions, the maritime sector is experiencing extreme pressures to decarbonise, from IMO originated initiatives such as EEDI/EEXI/CII to regulatory efforts such as Emissions Trading Schemes and Fuel EU Maritime. While the industry is hoping for a drop-in replacement to fossil fuels, alternative fuels present serious downsides including cost, availability, energy density, and the risk of obsolescence if you invest in the wrong technology. On top of this, utilizing alternative fuels through traditional internal combustion presents risk of significant GHG emissions other than carbon dioxide, mitigating and in some scenarios potentially invalidating the CO2 reduction entirely. The only realistically safe path to decarbonisation is through a truly zero emission solution. To achieve truly net-zero on-board energy, we need an alternative to internal combustion. Currently, the only viable path to achieve this is fuel cell and battery technology. To allow for competitive energy density, we have to account for other substances besides Hydrogen to be a part of the system, meaning emissions capture will also have to be employed in order to maintain zero emission status. Additionally, with the reduced energy density of alternative fuels and limited power density of fuel cell technology, significant energy savings need to occur. This presents the obvious solution as a vessel equipped with effective Wind Propulsion Technology, and a completely net-zero on-board hybrid battery electric fuel cell powertrain with carbon capture. While these technologies are working their way to being established in isolation, their integration into a holistic solution for commercial maritime is a novel concept. This project aims to further the state-of-the-art for the design and energy management of a solution of this nature, through a considered approach of traditional rules-based development, complimented by modelling, optimisation and advanced next generation techniques in data analytics and machine learning. Our aim is to develop the tools necessary to generate optimum sizing and operation for this proposed system, facilitating a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study of an existing vessel and newbuild design employing this solution. This project brings together a comprehensive consortium of experts to deliver not only the tools to help design the next generation of net-zero emission ships capable of meeting 2050 IMO targets, but also an economic analysis of their competitiveness against the current landscape.