Airports, Seaports, and Inland Ports Modernization

NREL researchers provide airports, seaports, and inland ports with comprehensive strategies to improve the affordability and performance of vehicles, vessels, and cargo-handling equipment as well as their connections to the grid.

We provide insights that accelerate ports' strategic deployment of advanced vehicles, charging and refueling infrastructure, and the grid improvements necessary to provide convenient, reliable, cost-effective electricity at scale.

Airport Modernization

NREL empowers airports with tools and data to support cost-effective transitions to advanced technologies.

Leveraging the laboratory's powerful  Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems research platform, our researchers develop sophisticated strategies to support electrification of passenger, rental fleet, and airport-owned vehicles that operate in and around airports.

After analyzing existing vehicle operations, NREL researchers provide tailored recommendations to gradually phase in the advanced vehicle and equipment solutions of best fit. These site-specific recommendations include electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and biofuel vehicles, along with the infrastructure and grid upgrades needed to support them.

These efforts are driving substantial modernization efforts at airports, such as Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and across the nation.

Inland and Seaport Modernization

For nearly two decades, NREL researchers have worked toward comprehensive energy-saving efforts at some of the busiest inland ports and seaports in the nation.

Our researchers conduct deep analysis into port vehicle operations—including drayage vehicles, port yard tractors, harbor cranes, forklifts, cargo handling equipment, tugboats, and vessels—and deliver customized strategies to transition these vehicles to next-generation models.

Our strategies include infrastructure planning for electric vehicle charging; shore power transfer; hydrogen generation, storage, infrastructure requirements, and fueling; and integration of electrified vehicles and equipment with port facilities, energy storage systems, and the grid.

NREL's work doesn't stop at the port's gates: Our researchers can plan regional infrastructure to support port activities, such as freight corridor infrastructure plans, infrastructure for interconnected port facilities, and mobility solutions for urban planners. We integrate public health considerations into our work by quantifying the impacts of improved air quality on the communities surrounding seaports and inland ports.

Emerging Marine Vessel Technologies

NREL researchers are charting the path to advanced maritime freight technologies by exploring innovative marine vessel powertrains.

Using NREL's MARINESim: Maritime Analysis of Resources and INtegrated Energy Simulation, we analyze operational data from marine vessels and create powertrain models for both conventional and emerging fuel systems. Then we pinpoint the solution of best fit, including plug-in hybrid systems, electric systems, and next-generation fuels. Our portfolio spans ferries, tour boats, tugboats, and fishing vessels in addition to exploring the potential for future-proofed marine corridors.

Aviation Electrification