A Concept Proposal for Sustainable Maritime Transportation: Integrated Multi-Hybrid Marine Propulsion System

Abstract

IMHMS: Integrated Multi-Hybrid Marine Propulsion System for Sustainable Maritime Transportation — Conceptual Proposal

In order to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and introduce sustainable transportation, the maritime industry is facing more and more pressure. To resolve this challenge, this paper presents the concept of a new IMHMPS based on introducing multiple energy sources and technologies into the same intelligent platform.

During the design process, the concept of a series hybrid propulsion system was chosen, based on the use of tri-fuel (Diesel, CNG, Biodiesel) engine for the production of electricity for the electric propulsion motor. Furthermore, additional energy would be generated from solar PV, vertical axis wind turbines, hydro-power regeneration from a propeller and TEG waste heat recovery from the exhaust of the engine. Generation, transmission and storage of power would be managed by the Smart Energy Management System (EMS).

The proposed system would consist of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, advanced Battery Management System (BMS), multi-layer safety and the Marine Data Center with features of IoT-based monitoring, AI assisted predictive maintenance and smart mobile application for diagnostic and fault finding.

The aim of the proposed concept is to decrease the consumption of fuel, reduction in GHG, and enhance reliability and energy resilience of maritime transport. It is also based on the principles of the Blue Economy, Green Shipping and the UN SDGs.

This paper offers an engineering solution concept that can be discussed in an academic environment and researched by multiple disciplines. In addition, the engineering validation, simulation, prototype and classification approvals and experimental verification are necessary to implement the concept in practice.

Key Words: Sustainable Maritime Transportation, Blue Economy, Hybrid Propulsion, Tri-Fuel Engine, Energy Harvesting, Smart EMS, LFP Battery, Marine Data Center, IoT, Predictive Maintenance, Green Shipping.

Slides

 "This article presents a conceptual proposal for an Integrated Multi-Hybrid Marine Propulsion System (IMHMPS), aimed at advancing sustainable maritime transportation. By combining multiple energy sources—including tri-fuel engines, solar PV, wind turbines, and hydro-power regeneration—this system offers an intelligent platform to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the principles of the Blue Economy and Green Shipping."

Pay attention to visual content:

This proposal is an independent concept developed by the author. The conceptual sketches and diagrams included in this submission are created using Artificial Intelligence algorithms, based on the engineering ideas and technical parameters proposed by the author for a sustainable propulsion system for maritime transport.