Seafarers need hybrid-electric propulsion training

Norwegian academic institution SINTEF has carried out research into safety challenges and regulatory gaps in maritime’s use of lithium-ion batteries.

SINTEF senior adviser and research scientist Brynhild Garberg Olsø and quality assurance manager and research scientist Kerstin Knott presented the latest findings from these studies at Riviera Maritime Media’s Maritime Hybrid Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference in Bergen, Norway, 18 October.

Their research indicates regulatory gaps around battery room design, ventilation, sensors, fire suppression, crew training and emergency response protocols.

They said clear roles and responsibilities between crews and emergency responders must be defined, along with unified training programmes and certification requirements.

SINTEF hosted workshops with stakeholders to highlight the lack of holistic standards covering the battery lifecycle from design to installation, to operations and disposal, and to help fill the knowledge gaps.

Ms Knott and Ms Olsø said high-capacity batteries pose unique risks requiring diligent safety management across the value chain. “Crew training is important: there is a lack of knowledge,” said Ms Knott. “Crew need to know what to do in an emergency; how to tackle fire and about the toxic gases generated.”

SINTEFF found many seafarers were educated when there was not enough information on batteries provided by academies, so they did not get a comprehensive enough training covering hybrid and electric propulsion systems.

Its project looked at the challenges and safety issues these installations will have, the different materials and energy densities which may need different regulations, and training requirements.

Feedback from the workshops is leading to the development of certification and standards, using examples from other industries and sectors, and further research into training for seafarers.