A new study by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping investigates the viability of battery-electric propulsion across various vessel sizes and segments.
Case studies focused on 1,100 TEU container ships, 40k DWT tankers, and 35k DWT bulk vessels were evaluated based on realistic voyages. Findings reveal that while pure battery-electric propulsion faces technical and economic barriers, a hybrid approach—combining batteries with internal combustion engines (ICE)—shows promise, improving life-cycle energy efficiency and operational flexibility.
This hybrid model reduces battery capacity needs, preserving cargo space and offering a more viable business case for container ships compared to methanol dual-fuel ICE alternatives.
From a life-cycle perspective, battery-powered vessels could reduce renewable energy demand by 65% and cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 17% in certain segments, freeing up additional energy for e-fuel production. However, to support this transition, extensive shore power and charging infrastructure development is necessary in ports worldwide.
The study also found that fully battery-powered ships are not viable across all vessel sizes and segments due to high costs, loss of cargo capacity, and operational limitations. Even smaller vessels on short voyages face challenges with pure battery-electric systems.
As a result, a hybrid power plant solution—where 80% of the vessel’s energy comes from batteries and the rest from renewable fuel-powered generators—was identified as a more feasible pathway. This hybrid approach reduces renewable energy demand by up to 70% compared to methanol dual-fuel vessels, while maintaining flexibility and safety in adverse conditions.
The study also highlights the need for compact modular battery systems to minimize cargo loss, and expects these technologies to be commercially viable by 2030. Electrifying smaller merchant vessels on short voyages could address up to 17% of CO2 emissions in this segment, while improving life-cycle energy efficiency could free up additional renewable energy for e-fuel production.
However, realizing this potential requires not only new vessel designs but also significant investments in shore power and charging infrastructure in ports. Shipowners are encouraged to consider hybrid electrification as a decarbonization strategy, while governments are urged to support the necessary infrastructure to enable this transition.
