CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) have published a white paper on the environmental impact of batteries in deep-sea shipping.
The paper demonstrates that there is still potential for battery usage within the industry to support decarbonization. While it is evident that a fully battery-powered, zero-emission application is not available, battery usage may also be enhanced by the rise of alternative fuels, depending on needs based on changing design and sizing choices.
Key findings
- Potential for emission reduction: Batteries on ocean-going cargo ships can reduce emissions, but the industry is still in early stages of adoption, with only 18 ships currently equipped with batteries.
- Diverse performance: Battery performance varies across different ship types, operational profiles, and propulsion configurations, indicating a need for more optimized use and tailored solutions.
- Limited shore power infrastructure: The slow adoption of plug-in hybrid ships is partly due to the limited availability of shore power installations and standardized charging systems.
- Environmental benefits of grid charging: Charging batteries from the grid can have a low environmental impact, depending on the local electricity mix. Expanding shore power installations and standardizing charging systems could enhance the benefits of onboard batteries and accelerate their adoption.
- Integration challenges: Integrating batteries into newbuild ships is currently easier than retrofitting existing ships. However, finding smart, easy, and affordable retrofitting solutions is crucial for meeting IMO emission reduction goals.
- Technological and economic feasibility: Various application schemes for batteries are technically and economically feasible today. Improvements in battery technology and smart integration methods will likely increase the number of battery-equipped ships.
- Impact of alternative fuels: Adoption of alternative fuels could increase the number of ships with batteries, although it may affect battery design and sizing to align with the requirements of different fuel systems.
Our objective was to provide relevant stakeholders in the maritime industry and other interested parties with an overview of the available options, while also outlining the boundaries of what is feasible.
… said Dirk Bergmann, Chair of the CIMAC Greenhouse Gas Strategy Group.
Batteries will play an important role in the decarbonization of the maritime industry. To answer questions concerning what that role might entail within the deep-sea shipping sector, our two organizations combined their expertise.
… commented Syb Ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director of the Maritime Battery Forum
The upcoming paper on regulation, safety, and impact on staff is expected to be published by the end of 2025. This will be followed by the third paper, which will address the main topics of energy storage and integration, including life-cycle assessment, operation range and limits.
