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Modular design

Modular design is a principle that breaks down or product into smaller, independent parts, connect through standardized interfaces.

CircularInland shippingMarine shippingTrainsTrucks

Introduction

Circularity of (large-scale) equipment, such as port equipment and the modalities is key to achieving both sustainability and EU resource independence, as put forward by the (EU CRM and EU CEAP). To support flexibility in the form of replaceability, modular design is key. In a modular design, sub-systems or functions are physically grouped in such a way that connections to other systems are limited, often using additional boxes to support structures, to facilitate easy installation and removal. The slots in a laptop are a good example; a SSD card, a Wi-Fi-card and hard drive can use the same slot, but also battery containers are a form of modularity.

Value proposition

  • Flexibility of the system

    This can be through multiple replacements during the life cycle of the equipment.

  • Easier replacements

  • Competitiveness in uncertain markets

    Such as alternative fuels

A key value of modular design is in the flexibility of the system; this can be multiple replacements during the life cycle of the equipment (like the battery container), but also to allow variation for one standardised product (like the laptop). If properly done, systems like batteries or other elements with a shorter lifetime can be replaced more easily, as detachability and accessibility are considered in the design. Similarly, it could be an advantage in dealing with operations linked to uncertain markets, such as alternative fuels. A modular powering design may allow relatively cheap switches to another fuel in the future. The more frequent the change, the more value modular design delivers. On the other hand, there are costs in the form of additional weight or volume to support this modularity.

Port applicability

The concept of modular design can be applied to all modalities and equipment in the port, hence this concept is relevant for all ports, but more so for those looking to establish repair and conversion activities.

Groups of innovations

  • Circular perspective

    In a circular perspective, it can increase value retention.

  • Operational setting

    In an operational setting it can increase flexibility (like the swapable energy containers and for port equipment it may represent flexibility or variation in standard equipment. .

    MAGPIE Green energy container demo

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
GHG emissions (Tank-to-wake)No impact
Modular design has no direct impact, but may speed up switching to alternative fuels
GHG emissions (Well-to-wake)No impact
Modular design has no direct impact, but may speed up switching to alternative fuels
Resource useLarge impact
Modular design promotes circularity and as such reduction of new materials used

Port characteristics

As a port you can promote the use of modular design, like for your cargo handling equipment or modalities in the port. You can develop incentives to promote circularity and modular design, as well as industries supporting the reuse of elements and components from equipment and infrastructure.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • KnowledgeEnabler

    modular design has been around since the 1970s and a lot of knowledge exists (especially in the form of Systems Engineering).

  • Standards & regulationEnabler

    Both EU CRM and EU CEAP promote modular designs and reuse of modules.

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    A modular design normally has additional weight or volume to support the modularity. As a result, operational or construction costs may be higher and need to be weighed against the benefits. The more frequent the change the larger the benefit (here frequency can be number of changes, but also number of products (mass production, vs one-offs).

  • KnowledgeBarrier

    Depending on the sector, there is more or less experience with modular design. Sometimes it is present but not yet used in light of circularity (e.g. cars), sometimes it is not common at all (ship design).

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Promote modulatrity

    As modular design already exists as a concept, all the ports need to do is address/promote this when considering options. This could be the order of a new set of container cranes, but also the promotion of firms that use modularity to achieve circularity and many other options.

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of modular design.
* Technical Readiness Level

Investment overview

There are no large additional investments required from the port side, unless the port authority invests in using modular design for its own equipment or infrastructure. Companies using modular design, will need to invest in knowledge (training) as well as the engineering time (more than regular design). Ports could support hubs with research and companies to build up this knowledge and spearhead the engineering. The companies will be rewarded with lower OPEX or longer involvement later on in the process (for relevant business cases).

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders. For modular design the stakeholders are limited. The EU provides incentives, and the producer and user decide how to implement it.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base