Hamburg-based Becker Marine Systems has announced that its compact battery rack (COBRA) battery system has received class approval from DNV GL following an extensive series of tests
The battery system is tailored to maritime requirements and uses lithium ferro phosphate technology which, according to the manufacturer, is a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to the cobalt-based cell technologies commonly used.
With full certification including IEC 62619 and IEC 62620, the COBRA system can now be installed on board inland waterway and oceangoing vessels.
Becker Marine managing director Dirk Lehamann said the COBRA system now meets all safety requirements “down to the level of the individual cell.”
“This cell chemistry eliminates the risk of fire in the event of a short circuit or overheating, for example, but we still get a compact system with high energy density.”
“In addition, we have succeeded in developing an attractively priced battery system for the maritime market that is freely scalable from a few kWh to several MWh”, said Becker Marine Systems head of the COBRA business unit Godehard Gauf.
There are already orders for the new battery system for use in a workboat with 420 kWh battery capacity, and for a tourist passenger ship. Both systems will be delivered this year. The COBRA system is also being tested in combination with fuel cells for use in hybrid drive systems. Additional inquiries are coming from a variety of maritime sectors since the system can be used in a wide range of applications.
The new technology enables access to funding at both the German federal and state levels following a decision by the German Ministry of Transport to make coastal and inland vessels eligible for subsidies to convert to emissions-reducing propulsion systems.
Having achieved market maturity for COBRA, Becker Marine Systems said it is now opening up a large market with many opportunities in the hybridisation or electrification of ships, in combination with fuel cells, in both inland waterway and oceangoing shipping.
To meet this demand, the company will continue to invest to expand its infrastructure. To this end, the production halls in Winsen will be expanded and additional employees will be hired.
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