A modularly tailored commuter ferry platform

Abstract

Background: Among the challenges for implementation of Waterborne public transportation (WPT) are the difficulties in procuring efficient ferries tailored towards local requirements. Fundamental questions on the ferry’s environmental impact, speed and procurement costs linger in the public transport (PTP) mind. Objective: In this paper, a methodology for adopting a platform architecture for ferries is illustrated by a modular design approach. Methods: For this, WPT operational profiles are categorized by three route types in a structure for operational requirements including sustainability performance. Generic parameters for size and speed of WPT ferries are defined. Using these parameters as a skeletal structure, a modular commuter ferry concept is proposed as a set of basic modules. As a combination of these functionally independent modules, a ferry can be tailored to fit the operational requirements. Results: The paper proposes standard sizes for waterborne commuter craft and shows that ferries are compatible with land-based public transport in terms of energy efficiency and speed. Suitable speed ranges for mono hulls and catamarans are investigated and the idea of modular design for rational procurement is explored and illustrated for the three type routes. Conclusions: The proposed concepts can make WPT more attractive for PTPs as a sustainable option to complement the existing network.

Fuzzy AHP-Based Design Performance Index for Evaluation of Ferries

“…Three route types were identified after studying 26 global cities having WPT systems [1]. Their respective definitions [29], summarized in Table 1 describe the ferry's broad design. E.g., route type A ferries are typically high-speed hulls with side entrances and passenger mobility.…”

“…Table 1. Classification of WPT route types (based on findings from [29]). The second level of the requirements are synonymous with the mission requirements in the design spiral method [12].…”

“…For demonstrating the application, a modular commuter ferry concept [29,51] shown in Figure 8a is used. The ferry is envisaged as an assembly of five functionally independent modules where the superstructure module is further divided into four submodule types X, Y, Z and E such that there are two of each.…”

Comparison of Lightweight Structures in Bearing Impact Loads during Ice–Hull Interaction

“…Such ferries would be able to work with similar efficiency as non-ice vessels in terms of fuel efficiency, emissions and costs. For waterborne public transportation, this would result in higher customer satisfaction [74,75] and improve public transport providers' perception of WPT [76].…”