Changes in weight and stability on ships after conversion from diesel to hybrid-electric

In the context of the decarbonisation of waterborne transport, hybrid-electric propulsion systems play a key role. In this paper, a database of nine hybrid passenger ships for inland transports is built and analysed. The ships are all already operating or under construction. In particular, focus has been made to the increase in lightship weight, quantifying the weights of the hybrid systems including required auxiliary systems fitted onboard. Some considerations are finally given for the most relevant auxiliary systems to be installed on board hybrid electric boats, which are the cooling and fire-fighting systems.