Decarbonisation Simulation & Analysis Tool for International Cruise Line

OVERVIEW In collaboration with the client’s R&D department, we developed a new Excel based decarbonisation tool designed to model long term emissions trajectories, evaluate project impacts and support strategic decision making across a large fleet. Built using advanced Excel formulas and VBA, the tool provides a structured multi user environment, integrates operational datasets and enables detailed scenario modelling from 2025 to 2050. It serves as a technical foundation for assessing decarbonisation pathways and their financial implications. TECHNICAL CHALLENGE The R&D team required a modelling framework capable of handling complex operational data, long term projections and multiple project interventions. The tool needed to support iterative development, ensure data integrity in a multi user environment and provide transparent outputs for both engineering teams and sustainability leadership. A flexible, modular and technically robust solution was essential to support ongoing decarbonisation strategy work. DELIVERED SOLUTION We created a modular Excel VBA system consisting of several interconnected workbooks stored on a mapped SharePoint directory. The tool supports both desktop and browser based operation and includes secure user management with Admin and Standard roles. The system centralises master data, automates loading of structured operational datasets, generates simulation templates, executes multi year calculation routines and provides integrated analysis dashboards. It also produces leg level datasets for external optimisation software, ensuring compatibility with advanced modelling workflows used by the R&D team. KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES • Multi user architecture with secure login, user creation and role based permissions • Centralised master data workbook for fleet, project and configuration data • Automated ingestion of structured operational datasets into a simulation base file • Protected calculation logic with controlled input fields and safeguarded formulas • Scenario configuration engine supporting project selection, implementation dates, ETS price adjustments and fuel price variations • Multi year simulation engine generating Business as Usual and project based scenarios from 2025 to 2050 • Automated creation of simulation files and corresponding data only files for analysis • Optimisation data export producing leg level datasets for external optimisation tools • Integrated analysis module with tables, filters and quick graph functionality for comparing scenarios IMPACT FOR TECHNICAL STAKEHOLDERS & SUSTAINABILITY MANAGERS • Reliable modelling foundation for evaluating decarbonisation strategies and project impacts • Improved data integrity and transparency through structured master data and protected formulas • Accelerated scenario development with automated data loading and calculation routines • Clear long term visibility of emissions trajectories, cost implications and project effectiveness • Enhanced collaboration between R&D, sustainability and operational teams through shared datasets • Scalable architecture designed for continuous enhancement and integration with external optimisation tools