Optimization of operational costs in hybrid power supply for hopper dredgers
Type:
Presented during:
CEDA Dredging Days 2026
Authors:
M. van den Heuvel, J.C. Boone and A. Coraddu
Abstract
The integration of batteries aboard ships is increasingly popular, primary goals are to reduce operational costs and emissions. However, trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) have not yet seen widespread adoption of batteries. Fully battery-electric power supply remains impractical due to autonomy requirements, investment costs, and battery energy density limitations. Consequently, hybrid power drive trains-combining batteries with prime movers-are considered a viable option. This paper introduces a method to optimize the operational costs of hybrid systems by balancing various cost sources, including consumables (e.g., fuel, urea), emissions (CO?, NO?), maintenance, and battery utilization. Instead of relying on time-based load profiles, the approach leverages load variation to identify optimal operating points for each static load condition, demonstrating the added value of battery-hybrid systems without detailed operational data. The method is applied to a TSHDs with all-electric consumers, dual-fuel engines, and a battery system. Operational costs across the loading range are characterized by specific costs for fuel, greenhouse gas taxes, engine maintenance, and battery degradation. By utilizing load distributions from dredging profiles, the absolute operational costs and emissions are calculated. TSHDs typically operate in repetitive cycles with significant load variability between and within operational stages. The method's accuracy under practical conditions is assessed via time simulations using both theoretical and measured power demand profiles. Statically optimized operating points are integrated into the energy management system (EMS) and combined with rule-based strategies for feasible engine start/stop timing and battery cycling. This approach enables estimation of potential operational cost savings for battery-hybrid systems in early design stages, supporting capital investment decisions.