Toward Next-Generation Smart Ports: A Case Study on Seaport Microgrids Customized for Islands

The increase in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the transportation sector, along with the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels, emphasizes the necessity for increased focus on energy storage systems (ESSs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) in seaports and on short-distance vessels such as ferries. This paper investigates the development of next-generation smart ports, wherein the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors transforms ports into intelligent hubs. This transformation aims to optimize operations for all stakeholders, that leverage emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and connectivity. Notably, many smaller seaports lack shore-power facilities, shore-based power installations that supply electric power to ships from the grid. Consequently, ships often rely on continuous operation of auxiliary diesel engines and generators while at berth to meet auxiliary loads. To address these challenges and overcome economic and logistical constraints, this paper proposes a seaport microgrid (SMG) with a DC distribution that would be created by integrating multiple ships with decentralized control mechanisms supplemented by an onshore charging infrastructure. This helps to achieve a sustainable path by introducing ship-based SMGs involving the integration of shipboard microgrids with onshore charging. The proposed approach relies on adaptive droop control, decentralized power-sharing based on battery charge and reducing traditional communication dependencies. The case study supported by the simulation results shown in the paper emphasizes the potential of this strategy in the evolution of maritime infrastructure.