Work

Life cycle cost analysis of unmanned surface vehicle from ENDURUNS and MERLIN projects powered by renewable energies: A real case study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The deployment of unmanned surface vehicles is rising, with new technologies and monitoring systems to enhance seabed monitoring. This paper shows a comprehensive cost analysis of an unmanned surface vehicle designed and developed in the European projects called ENDURUNS and MERLIN, which is powered by renewable energies. The study implements the UNE-EN-60300 standard to examine the life cycle cost, considering key expenses and revenues over 10 years and estimating failure rates. Net Present Value is implemented for the economic viability analysis of the vehicle through the simulation of two financial scenarios: the company assumes the investment, or, in another case, it is used as a credit loan. The effect of the discount rate on net present value is studied for unmanned surface vehicles compared to conventional unmanned surface vehicles. The conclusions of this study determine the economic viability of the vehicle in all scenarios, reaching the million euros difference of the same scenario comparing the ENDURUNS/MERLIN vehicle with conventional vehicles.

Source: Renewable Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123083

Authors: Isaac Segovia Ramírez, Fausto Pedro García Márquez, Pedro José Bernalte Sánchez, Mayorkinos Papaelias

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Life Cycle Costing Analysis

Subfield: Accounting

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,460