Insight 22: Charting a Course: Batteries in the Maritime Industry
Summary
Low-carbon energy technologies such as ammonia, batteries, e-fuels, biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells are rapidly gaining traction in the maritime industry. Heavy fuel oil will soon no longer be the primary choice for propulsion. Battery technology is an important part of the mix, offering energy efficiency, reduced emissions and improved performance for smaller vessels, with hybrid solutions emerging for longer distances and international shipping. The UK can be at the forefront of these developments but must invest in port and charging infrastructure.
Focus of the Insight
The Insight:
- Explores the alternative technologies for the maritime sector, including hydrogen, natural gas, battery-electric propulsion and other low-carbon fuels.
- Assesses the size of the battery-powered maritime market.
- Outlines the performance characteristics of battery technology for different applications across the maritime sector.
- Highlights proposed actions to develop and support the UK maritime industry.
Conclusion
Battery technology offers numerous benefits in the maritime industry, including energy efficiency, reduced emissions and improved performance. Battery technology has significant potential for smaller vessels and short-distance ferry services, with full electrification being most suitable for routes up to one hour. To decarbonise long-haul maritime transport, however, hybrid systems that combine batteries with low-carbon fuel ready system designs will be the more practical option. This is largely due to higher costs, significant space needs and lower energy density of batteries.
The feasibility and technology requirements for battery applications vary across and within each shipping sector, depending on the energy, cycles and power needed. Ferries have the highest potential for fuel savings when they operate in all-electric mode and hybrid systems that use batteries alongside diesel or dual fuel engines can significantly reduce emissions. The existing battery chemistry of choice in maritime applications is NMC, but different chemistries such as LTO or LFP may prove to be a good fit for many maritime applications despite their lower energy density.
To support the transition to battery-powered maritime applications, the following strategic actions are recommended:
- Promote the development and deployment of hybrid systems for larger vessels by providing targeted subsidies, research funding and industry incentives to optimise fuel efficiency and emission reductions by using batteries alongside low-carbon fuels.
- Support research into battery chemistries such as LTO and LFP, by funding targeted R&D programmes and facilitating industry-academia partnerships to develop enhanced suitability for specific maritime applications.
- Strengthen UK national and regional centres for innovation in battery and maritime technology, by investing in centres such as MarRI-UK, to drive advancements and commercial readiness.
- Enhance the safety and standardisation of battery systems on vessels through collaboration between organisations such as the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Maritime Battery Forum, IMO, European Maritime Safety Agency and global battery safety bodies.
- Expand battery technology in hybrid propulsion systems onboard vessels by supporting retrofitting initiatives and offering incentives to lower fuel consumption for auxiliary power, particularly through shore-to-ship power or battery storage options when ships are docked near populated areas.
- Ensure investment in port electrification infrastructure by private port operators, UK Government and local authorities in order to provide charging stations, refuelling points and robust power connections, enabling berthed vessels to access reliable shore power and reduce operational costs.
The maritime industry is transitioning to low-carbon technology such as ammonia, batteries, e-fuels, biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells. The UK’s established strength in global shipping, alongside advancements in battery technology and the creation of national centres for innovation, positions it well to benefit from the shift to new energy fuels and technologies. Realising the full benefits of this transition will require coordinated investments in both vessel technology and port infrastructure to enable wide-scale adoption of clean energy solutions.