Macroeconomics

Process (computing)

Engineering

Transport engineering

Propulsion

Reliability engineering

Aerospace engineering

Biology

Systems engineering

Life cycle costing

Operating system

Economics

Computer science

Diesel fuel

Risk analysis (engineering)

Manufacturing engineering

Business

Mechanical engineering

Genetics

Operations research

Life-cycle assessment

Automotive engineering

Environmental science

Operations management

Marine propulsion

Product life-cycle management

Modularity (biology)

Production (economics)

Journal of Cleaner Production

By adopting the concept of modularity, this paper introduced an optimal framework which facilitates life cycle assessment and life cycle cost assessment, thereby supporting rapid and reliable decision-making in the marine industry. The benefits of the proposed framework were discussed through two case studies where the optimal configurations of marine propulsion systems were determined from the economic and environmental perspectives. First, the performance of a short-route ferry using the hybrid system was compared with those of equivalent ships using diesel-electric and diesel-mechanical propulsion systems respectively. Research findings revealed the excellence of the hybrid system in both economic and environmental aspects. Second, the same method was applied to an offshore tug vessel to determine an optimal engine configuration. Results of analysis emphasised that the selection of multiple small-sized engines is more effective than two medium-sized engines. Both studies have proven that the proposed framework would be useful and practical for accelerating the life cycle analysis which allows ship designers and owners to obtain the long-term view of economic and environmental impacts for particular products or systems without demanding process. The paper also opened up the possibility of extending the application of the proposed framework to the areas where proper decision-making is essential but under-used.

An effective framework for life cycle and cost assessment for marine vessels aiming to select optimal propulsion systems