Need for zero-emissions operations drives demand for maritime battery propulsion

The number of vessels built with maritime batteries on board has been increasing steadily, driven by the need for zero-emissions voyages or hybrid propulsion-based operations.
Batteries are becoming an increasingly common propulsion choice for ferries, tugboats and workboats, and cargo ships are seeing their fair share of systems installed, too, according to Maritime Battery Forum managing director, Syb ten Cate Hoedemaker. 

During an interview at Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Conference in Bergen, Norway, Mr Hoedemaker said there are applications for energy storage systems across all vessel types.

Mr Hoedemaker said the already varied chemistries and characteristics of batteries being installed on vessels today are being further expanded as new battery types are developed and type-approved by class societies.
Among the current challenges around developing batteries for maritime use, Mr Hoedemaker included work to ensure that battery systems are ready to operate on vessels in a marine environment, training crew to maintain onboard energy storage systems, and encouraging investment in shore power for electric ships.