SIMULEK

Context

In terms of economic sustainability, the use of fossil fuels by European, Spanish and specifically Basque fleets is a problem due to the lack of a resource that must be imported in its entirety.

In addition to the negative effect this has on the trade balance of any country, it is a serious problem for the economic sustainability of fishing companies, since fuel is one of the highest business costs for any shipowner.

On the other hand, in terms of environmental sustainability, the carbon footprint is becoming more and more relevant. Even more so, if we take into account the significant increase in global temperatures recorded in 2023, and directly related to climate change, largely caused by the excessive use of fossil fuels.

In this regard, it is necessary to accelerate decarbonization and an energy transition to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as much as possible, using electricity from renewable sources or hybrid engines that reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

Objectives

The general objective of the project is to evaluate the potential and possibility of changing internal combustion engines for hybrid engines or electric propulsion systems in the Basque artisanal and coastal fishing fleet.

The specific objectives of this project are:

• To know the real consumption and energy expenditure of the operational patterns of typical vessels of the artisanal fleet.
• To establish in detail the operational patterns of the artisanal fleet based on their routes, fishing trips and sets.
• Relate and dimension operations to energy expenditure.
• Evaluate alternative hybrid or full-electric motorization options for the resulting energy consumption operational patterns.
• Evaluate simulations of operating patterns in hybrid-electric boat.