Page 118 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

GREEN SHIPPING

Mr Jan-Erik Räsänen analyses the potential of batteries to decarbonise shipping.

THERE IS A GAP

THAT BATTERIES CAN

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

Which type of vessel can benefit more from a shipboard battery system, and
does the installation/maintenance cost make it appropriate for older vessels
(10+ years)?
There is an obvious ship type on which batteries are mostly
applicable. The starting point back in 2011-2012 was short-sea,
point-to-point ferries, which can charge the batteries when
entering a port. We can see the same point-to-point philosophy
still applied today but the difference is that ships are getting
larger and distances longer. New battery types definitely have
an advantage, and there has been a lot of discussion over the
years about next generation of chemistry entering the industry.
From our perspective, we expect to see similar types of batteries
serving the industry five years from now, but prices will be lower.
Eventually, increased power density will lead to longer battery-
powered ship transits.
To gain the maximum benefit from batteries, you need the
appropriate port infrastructure to charge them. Otherwise, if you
have a hybrid solution, you will record savings of roughly 2.5%-
3%, depending on the ship type, which would make a battery
installation something of a luxury for a larger ship with a 2-stroke
engine. However, batteries will develop their own niche market,
with an increasing number of vessels to benefit. If the port
by Jan-Erik Räsänen, infrastructure is in place, larger ships such as containerships will
CTO at Foreship also benefit, but perhaps not to the same extent as short sea
vessels.

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