The maritime industry has to contend with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
The introduction of FuelEU Maritime at the beginning of the year has, for the first time, established comprehensive regulations for phasing out the use of fossil fuels by vessels sailing in Europe. Additionally, the recent outcomes from MEPC 83 suggest a likely introduction of a new global carbon pricing mechanism for international shipping. Shipping is quickly approaching its 2030 checkpoint – as outlined in the IMO’s revised GHG strategy in 2023 – by which time the industry must evidence a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, with the ambition to achieve 30% compared to its 2008 baseline. Combining this with the MEPC 83 outcomes, the industry is under significant pressure to demonstrate tangible reductions in carbon emissions from its operations.
While it’s essential to prioritise the transition to alternative fuels, we must also pay equal attention to the systems and technologies that support valuable emissions savings in the short term, until such point that these fuels are widely available and affordable. This involves ship owners and operators engaging with operational efficiency solutions, such as reducing speed, voyage optimisation, and weather routing, that are supported by innovative clean technologies. Maritime electrification technology is an example of a viable solution that can act as a key enabler of the industry’s decarbonisation transition.
Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore (BV) has recently released a technical paper, “Maritime Electrification: Maritime Battery Systems and Onshore Power Supply” which focuses on two emerging pathways that can support the development of greater maritime electrification: Energy Storage Systems (ESS) using lithium-ion (li-ion) battery technology, and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems.
Findings from the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF), of which BV is a member, reveal that the use of battery-powered operations in the global fleet has expanded to 1,045 vessels, with 561 under construction. Of the current global fleet, approximately 90 vessels operate on pure battery power, with a further 50 vessels in the order book. There are also over 550 vessels in service using hybrid battery propulsion, with an additional 400 scheduled for construction.
This increase in the use of ESS and OPS technologies must be supported by standardised integration through the development of intuitive, simple, and mandatory safety guidance. The integration of ESS solutions onboard vessels requires owners and operators to consider a myriad of details, including the appropriate sizing and selection of battery cells, the inclusion of a reliable battery management system, and the ruggedisation of the overall system to withstand the challenging marine environment.
Despite the significant green credentials of ESS, the technology also presents additional safety considerations due to the fire risks associated with certain types of li-ion battery technology, known as thermal runaway. – The Maritime Executive
