The following is text of a news release from DNV GL:
(HOUSTON) — Battery and battery-hybrid propulsion and auxiliary solutions are becoming increasingly attractive to the maritime and offshore industries. DNV GL recently hosted its second Maritime Battery Workshop to support shipowners, drilling contractors, designers, yards, charterers and manufacturers as they look to the future of manufacturing, implementing and operating battery systems for the marine application.
The Maritime Battery Workshop attracted more than 100 participants to DNV GL's headquarters in Houston for a day of discussion on battery and battery-hybrid technology and their application for the maritime and offshore industries. The annual event featured insights from DNV GL experts, regulators, and leading organizations in the manufacturing, installation, and management of maritime battery systems, which generated valuable debate with participants in the plenary representing also the oil majors, designers, shipyards, ports, fire protection/prevention suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Recent developments in battery technology and ship electrification hold significant promise for greater energy efficiency, energy reclamation, and the use of renewables for ships and offshore structures. Fully electric and hybrid-electric propulsion and auxiliary systems utilizing lithium-ion batteries can significantly reduce fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions, as well as provide improved responsiveness, resulting in increased safety and reliability in critical situations. Other battery chemistries were also addressed.
“The technology has advanced rapidly in just a few short years, and there is mounting data to support the benefit-case for the use of energy storage,” said Anthony Teo, DNV GL Maritime Technology and LNG business development director. “The success and safety of these projects, however, depends on understanding the key technical limitations, selecting the optimal battery technologies, and integrating it into the platforms and infrastructure network. We designed this workshop specifically to deliver attendees the latest information so that they can evaluate options with an understanding of the pay-offs and potential risks for their unique operational and environmental requirements.”
The growth rate for battery-hybrid and fully electric vessels is greater than that of LNG-fueled vessels, and the offshore sector is actively pursuing the technology as well. During the workshop’s U.S. owner and operator roundtable, insights were shared by individuals whose organizations have outfitted assets with energy storage systems or are in the process of doing so. This session focused on the decision-making process and the drivers for the shift to electrification, as well as critical learnings from real-world experiences and benefits that have been realized.
“We continually seek ways to collaborate with customers and industry to accelerate innovation and technology, both here in our region, and around the world while sharing our experience from different market segments,” said Antony DSouza, executive vice president and regional manager of DNV GL Maritime Americas. “The need to achieve efficiency using cleaner energy puts more emphasis on the use of alternative fuels and DNV GL has extensive experience supporting our customers in such applications. With our Maritime Battery Workshop, we provide a forum where the stakeholders can share knowledge and experience and shape the future of shipping and offshore industries."
