ABS publishes study on emerging battery technologies for maritime sector

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released the second volume of its study on energy storage, assessing the role of advanced battery technologies in supporting electrification, integration of alternative fuels, and cost reduction in vessel operations.

The report, Emerging Battery Technologies in the Maritime Industry Volume II, evaluates safety considerations in new battery systems, particularly thermal runaway (TR) and gas emissions, and sets out guidance for developing safety strategies for marine and offshore applications.

According to ABS, the analysis is designed to serve as a resource for ship operators considering battery adoption.

Michael Kei, ABS Vice President, Technology, said: “Batteries offer tangible benefits in marine and offshore operations, supporting advancements in efficiency, regulatory compliance and emission reduction. The challenges are primarily due to the developing comprehension of TR behavior, the need for wider research on gas generation and explosion hazards, and the lack of a robust safety management strategy for large-scale applications. At ABS, we are proud to offer the latest insights into fire safety strategies and the safe integration of current and advanced battery technologies.”

The study reviews lithium-ion technology as well as six next-generation battery systems, examining their maturity, benefits, and limitations. It notes that the sector’s progress depends on continued innovation to overcome the constraints of existing solutions.

ABS stated: “By overcoming the limitations of current technologies and embracing emerging solutions, the marine industry can achieve greater efficiency, sustainability and safety, paving the way for a cleaner and more reliable energy future.”

Alongside its work on battery research, ABS is also involved in wider technology collaborations. Recently, the society partnered with UK-based CORE POWER and Greece’s Athlos Energy to study the feasibility of deploying floating nuclear power plants in the Mediterranean. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Samho to cooperate on the development of an artificial intelligence-enabled smart shipyard.