Project Summary
Port of Dover is transitioning to electric vessels but faces challenges due to limited grid capacity and high peak power demands. This project develops a data-driven intelligent optimisation platform for integrated, optimum charging of vessels and to optimise the size of shore-based energy storage systems, while ensuring stable vessel charging schedules. The solution is designed to be scalable for wider port applications, supporting maritime decarbonisation amid grid constraints.
Project Achievements
This project has provided a solution for electrified vessel charging optimisation through an integrated, energy-aware framework that links vessel energy demand evidence, berth allocation and timetable optimisation under phased shore-power upgrades, minute-level real-time charging optimisation under a grid limit and scheduling uncertainty, and ESS definition, technology evidence, and a minimal-change boost control layer that interfaces with real-time charging. Peak-day planning analysis was then used to translate operations into contracted grid capacity and ESS sizing targets.
Conclusions
Overall, the project delivered an end-to-end framework spanning an evidence base for vessel energy intensity, energy-aware scheduling and berth allocation under phased shore-power upgrades, minute-level real-time charging coordination under a contracted grid cap and scheduling uncertainty using long-horizon real timetables, an ESS interface definition with technology evidence ranges and a minimal change ESS boost control layer, and planning-level sizing that yields reusable headline figures of 35 MW contracted average grid import and round 110 MWh ESS nameplate capacity under the stated peak-day assumptions. The project advances knowledge by connecting berth and timetable optimisation, real-time charging coordination, and intraday ESS time shifting within one coherent, grid-constrained port electrification workflow, designed to remain transferable across vessel types, routes, and phased upgrade stages.
Next Steps
The next step is to collaborate with new partners and extend the scope of this project to be used as a basis for a larger proposal. Different funding routes are considered, including EPSRC.
