Battery Swapping Implementation on Electric Sea Taxis; The Case of Ionian Islands

Waterborne transportation significantly impacts the environment, contributing to climate change. In light of the global shift towards electrification, the need for a transition of the maritime transport into a more sustainable paradigm becomes imperative. This study investigates the feasibility of implementing the battery swapping concept for small vessels operating short daily routes in the Ionian Islands, as an alternative to conventional battery charging. A comprehensive case study is presented, examining the proposed system from both techno-economic and environmental perspectives, through Life Cycle Cost and Life Cycle Assessment analyses. The findings highlight the sustainability benefits of the battery swapping concept, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, along with valuable insights for advancing green maritime transport technologies