This Master's Thesis is conducted in collaboration with Alewijnse, a leading maritime systems integrator in the Netherlands. The thesis aims to identify the optimal and cost-effective method of incorporating battery energy storage systems (BESS) into both new and existing DP-2 vessels, as well as DP-3 vessels. The objective is to determine the most efficient battery size and technology, establish the ideal time frame for return on investment, and design a power generation schedule that is ideal for the DP-2 cable laying vessel’s power system.

The primary objectives of this research are to optimize the battery system, ensure effective energy system operation, and establish a strong business case. Specifically, the study explores the feasibility of retrofitting a DP-2 vessel that operates in the North Sea and Taiwan with a battery system to create a hybrid system.

To determine the optimal sizing of the battery energy storage system, 12 different battery solutions from two European battery suppliers considering three different fuel price scenarios are analyzed. These solutions encompass a variety of battery technologies, such as High Power or High Energy Li-ion batteries or a combination of both.

The integration of BESS into vessels offers several operational benefits to operators, including the ability to operate diesel engines at higher or more efficient points of operation to maximize their performance. Battery systems can also act as ”virtual generators” during dynamic positioning (DP) mode for DP-2 vessels, reducing fuel consumption, lowering diesel engine ON-time, and decreasing maintenance costs.

However, hybridizing vessels involves more than just integrating an optimally sized battery system.The existing power management system (PMS) and energy management system (EMS) must also undergo upgrades to ensure effective operation. To address these challenges, the BOOSTER (Battery Optimization for Optimal Sizing and Throughput Energy Regulation) methodology is proposed, which incorporates the operation of an optimized management system based on fuel prices and the throughput energy cost of the battery system.