Integrating a Digital Twin Concept in the Zero Emission Sea Transporter (ZEST) Project for Sustainable Maritime Transport using Stonefish Simulator

In response to stringent emission reduction targets imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Green Deal's Fit for 55 legislation package, the maritime industry has shifted its focus towards decarbonization. While significant attention has been placed on vessels exceeding 5,000 gross tons (GT), emissions from coastal and short sea shipping, amounting to approximately 13% of global shipping transportation and 15% within the European Union (EU), have not received adequate consideration. This abstract introduces the Zero Emission Sea Transporter (ZEST) project, designed to address this issue by developing a zero-emissions multi-purpose catamaran for short sea route