Batteries for Maritime Applications: Drivers, benefits, and functional role of batteries in vessels.

Abstract

The maritime industry is transitioning from traditional fossil fuel-based power and energy systems to cleaner and more efficient energy practices. Battery adoption is driven by three main factors: regulations, techno-economic development, and improved infrastructure for onshore charging with new methods of charging batteries for maritime applications. While regulations have driven the maritime industry toward sustainable energy practices, advancements in technology and large-scale battery adoption have made a variety of battery chemistries more accessible, affordable, and longer lasting. This has resulted in the adoption of batteries not just as a means to meet regulations but also as an alternative technology in combination with traditional fossil fuels. This means that having batteries on board offers several advantages, such as reducing emissions and the operational hours of other onboard power sources, among many others. The benefits of batteries on board are categorized into environmental and operational performance, covering a total of 11 distinct advantages. The wide variety of ship types and operations means these benefits are realized in diverse ways, with batteries used differently across various vessel types. A total of 15 distinct maritime battery functions are identified, each with its benefits and applications within the maritime industry. These functions range from using batteries in a battery electric mode, where batteries serve as the sole power source on board, to acting as a spinning reserve during dynamic positioning applications. A hypothetical tugboat system is used to demonstrate various battery functions. This article discusses maritime batteries’ drivers, benefits, and functions, highlighting their role in the maritime industry.