Hybrid and alternative fuel power management systems in ships – multi-criteria decision-making assessment

This paper addresses the maritime industry's imperative to cut greenhouse gas emissions by exploring hybrid propulsion systems for bulk carrier vessels, specifically focusing on battery systems and hybridized conventional four-stroke generator engines. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and MARCOS decision-making method, the study evaluates diverse factors, including capital and operational expenditures, risk, emissions, bunkering availability, and weight. The research delves into different power management system topologies, such as conventional diesel engines, ammonia, and methanol-fueled engines, along with battery hybrids. The study underscores the methodological significance of decision-making tools and anticipates that evolving regulations will drive the maritime industry towards carbon neutrality through hybrid power management systems.