KUTAY KARAKUŞ

Design and Dual-Use Operational Framework of a Towable Hybrid Offshore Energy Platform: From Floating Charging Stations to Mobile Power Bases

Abstract

This article describes the conceptual design and the multipurpose operational concept of the towable hybrid offshore energy platform. To improve the mobility and security of energy in maritime operations. It is designed as a 60 m x 40 m barge with an L/B ratio of 1.5, which is ideal for shallow water and offshore environments, incorporating a 5 MW wind turbine and a 252 kWp solar panel array. Regarding naval architecture, the structure is designed to counteract the overturning moment caused by the wind turbine. Stability is ensured using the IMO 2008 IS code criteria. Hydrodynamic performance and resistance during the relocation process were
analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). One of the major innovations of this research is the development of the “dual-use” strategic framework, which is intended to act as a floating charging station for electrical ships in civilian maritime routes and simultaneously act as a mobile forward power source for military or humanitarian activities in grid-independent territories. The operational viability of the proposed solution was also validated by logistic studies that showed a required bollard pull of 21.76 tons for a 5-knot speed during towing operation, which is supported by an optimized design of an electrical tugboat. This research provides a novel solution for the decarbonization of maritime logistics and the development of strategic energy security.

Biography

Kutay Karakuş is a senior Naval Architecture and Marine Machinery Engineering student at Piri Reis University. He has developed a specialized academic focus on offshore renewable energy systems and the design of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV/ROV). Proficient in industry-standard design tools such as Maxsurf and AutoCAD, he has complemented his theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in shipyard operations and maritime logistics. His research primarily explores the intersection of maritime decarbonization and innovative offshore platform design, aiming to provide sustainable energy solutions for the future of the shipping industry.