Danish startup ReFlow is to develop a digital twin of Scandlines’ latest zero-emission ferry design using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
The vessel is currently under construction at the Turkish Cemre Shipyard and is earmarked for the Puttgarden/Rødby route.
ReFlow will build a detailed life-cycle model representing the vessel from its construction to her end of life.
The model will be designed to show the ferry’s environmental impact, not only in operation but also from its construction at Cemre, along with the installed equipment.
This digital climate twin will enable Scandlines to run simulations on the use of new green technology on the ferry.
LCA is a holistic approach to assessing the environmental impact. It can include all life cycle stages of a vessel and not just the fuel consumption that is common practice in the maritime industry.
By incorporating all of the life cycle stages, Scandlines will get a complete overview of the vessel’s emissions throughout her entire life, including the fuel consumption.
“Our new zero-emission vessel will be electrically powered, so it makes good sense for us to look at the entire life cycle and understand the remaining emissions so they can be improved over time,” Fini Hansen, Vice President Fleet, Scandlines, said.
A digital twin is a digital representation of physical products on an object. Today, the concept is widely used in many industries, as it enables low-cost simulations before installing expensive equipment.
The ferry will be environmentally assessed using ISO-backed LCA methodology – a tool well-known in other industries, such as automotive and construction but very new to the maritime industry.
“We are very excited about the new co–operation and also looking forward to the world premiere of applying life cycle assessment to a complete ferry – it is an industry first to our knowledge,” Rasmus Elsborg-Jensen, ReFlow CEO and Founder, said.
The assessment of the ferry design and its proposed life cycle will run over the next three months and include detailed information on the building processes and the equipment to be fitted on board.
“It is our ambition to provide Scandlines with a granular understanding of the emissions associated with, not just the fuel use, but also the vessel itself, allowing for future ‘plug and play’ scenarios where new greener technologies can be assessed on the vessel before an investment,” Elsborg-Jensen added.
