Electrification of a large catamaran water bus for everyday commuting in the Venice Lagoon

The continuous problem of environmental degradation caused by exhaust emissions in maritime navigation has prompted the search for sustainable solutions. One potential approach involves the development of innovative, environmentally friendly passenger boats that align with principles of ecological sustainability. The design process for such vessels demands meticulous consideration of the operational context and requirements. In regions with distinctive features like the Venice Lagoon, design alternatives must take into account the area’s unique characteristics and comply with existing laws and regulations. This paper proposes a feasibility study on an innovative hybrid-electric catamaran water bus designed to both minimize wave generation and operate in Zero Emission Mode, aiming to properly address the mentioned environmental and navigation challenges.