A Case Study of Full-Electric Pilot Launch – From Ship Design, Operations Optimisation, to Fleet Charging Demand Estimation

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated simulation-based study of the full-electric pilot launch transition, covering vessel design optimisation, fleet-level charging demand estimation, and operational modelling. An iterative naval architecture workflow was developed that concurrently refines battery room layout, hull form, and propulsion system to address the unique mass–volume constraints of electric harbour craft. Using AIS-derived operational profiles and CFD-based resistance predictions, the study identifies an optimised catamaran configuration that minimises weighted propulsion power and daily energy consumption. A statistical Monte-Carlo framework is applied to estimate 24-hour charging demand for a 20-vessel fleet under different charger capacities and quantities. Results demonstrate clear trade-offs between charger sizing, availability rate, queuing time, and electricity cost. Finally, at the operational level, diesel-based multi-stop missions were decomposed into energy-feasible electric segments using a rule-based, safety-constrained methodology that incorporated a 28% state-of-charge reserve. This enables the comparison of realistic deployment strategies and highlights the performance gap between diesel and electric operations. Overall, the findings offer a data-driven foundation for planning electric pilot launch operations and charging infrastructure in future maritime electrification.