Scandlines has chosen the Danish climate tech startup ReFlow to develop climate twins of its latest “Zero-emission” ferry design using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
The steel is currently being cut at Cemre Shipyard for the zero-emission vessel contracted by Scandlines for the Puttgarden-Rødby route. Over the following months, ReFlow will build a detailed life-cycle model representing the vessel from its construction to its end of life many years from now.
The model will show the environmental impact of the ferry, not only in its use but also from its construction at Cemre Shipyard along with the installed equipment. The digital “climate twin” will make it possible for Scandlines to run simulations on the use of new green technology on the ferry something that is nearly impossible today.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can include all life cycle stages of a vessel and not just the fuel consumption that is common practice in the maritime industry. Incorporating all life cycle stages, the shipowner will get a complete overview of the vessel’s emissions in its 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
states Fini A. Hansen, VP Fleet, Scandlines.
A digital twin is a digital representation of physical products, in this case, a ferry. The digital twin concept allows for digital modeling of its space ferries before departure. Today the use of digital twins is widely shared in many industries as it allows for low-cost simulations before installing expensive equipment.
The ferry will be environmentally assessed using ISO-backed Life Cycle Assessment methodology.
We are very excited about the new cooperation 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
states Rasmus Elsborg-Jensen, CEO and Founder of ReFlow.
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 chosen equipment aboard.
