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Electrification and onshore power supply

Electrification and onshore power supply 

Maritime electrification charts the course for sustainable shipping  

The maritime industry is at a critical crossroads in the effort to decarbonize shipping and make it more sustainable. Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global CO2 emissions caused by human activities, with the percentage expected to increase by up to 130% of 2008 emissions by 2050.  

 

To reduce the environmental impact of the maritime industry, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set targets for international shipping to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050. To meet these targets, the industry is scaling the electrification of shipping fleets by implementing lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and onshore power supply (OPS) systems.  

 

At Bureau Veritas, we support our clients’ transition to electric and battery-powered energy by providing the right solutions for their fleets and decarbonization goals.

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Ulrik Dan Frorup
Ulrik Dan
Frørup

Chief Commercial Director

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore

Maritime electrification offers a clear advantage for shipowners and operators: it helps lower emissions, reduce noise and boost energy efficiency.
  • How can lithium-ion batteries help the maritime sector decarbonize?

    By replacing traditional fuels with Li-ion batteries, the maritime sector can cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost operational performance, all while meeting sustainability goals.  

     

    Li-ion batteries are designed to store energy and release it as steady, high-density power using lithium ions. Their consistency and reliability make Li-ion batteries ideal for ensuring the smooth operation of shipping vessels. They provide a reliable source of power that suits the operational requirements of different vessel types, thanks to a diverse range of performance characteristics. 

      

    Benefits of Li-ion batteries for shipping include: 

    • Long lifespan and reduced maintenance 

    • Lower operating costs 

    • Higher energy efficiency 

    • Noise reduction 

  • What are onshore power supply systems?

    Onshore power supply (OPS) systems are designed to supply electrical power to ships while docked at port, allowing diesel auxiliary generators to be shut down. This is becoming increasingly important as ports and shipowners work to meet environmental regulations and decarbonization targets.   

     

    Expanding OPS systems will help the maritime sector mitigate the environmental impacts associated with port operations by improving both local air quality and reducing GHG emissions.  

     

    Benefits of OPS systems include: 

    • Noise reduction 

    • Reduced carbon emissions  

    • Reduced air pollution  

    Advancing OPS systems to meet “any ship, any port” goals places demand on both ports and vessels to standardize interconnection voltages, frequencies and hardware. However, current standards for OPS systems are focused on ensuring safety, compatibility and interoperability between different systems. 

Supporting electrification solutions for shipowners and operators 

Bureau Veritas is committed to supporting the decarbonization and sustainability goals of shipowners and operators. Our classification and advisory services help you retrofit vessels for electrification and also comply with all relevant rules & regulations.  

 

Our classification services 

Our advisory services 

As a leading classification society, Bureau Veritas ensures that maritime electrification systems meet all relevant Rules requirements. 

  • For batteries: these requirements apply to lead-acid, nickel-alkaline and Li-ion batteries, while other batteries may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The additional class notation BATTERY SYSTEM, along with a range of additional class notations, is also available for ships that meet the Rules requirements. 

  • For onshore power supply systems: our requirements are covered in the Steel Ship Rules section on onshore power supply. Ships that meet the requirements are assigned the additional class notation OPS. 

The advisory arm of Bureau Veritas helps shipowners, operators and yards implement maritime electrification. Our team of experts can help shipowners and operators determine the best electrification solutions for their vessels. We provide support from the design stage through to the construction and operation of vessels.  
 
We also offer a portfolio of risk services, including risk analysis for battery system integration and other alternative technologies, to help clients mitigate risks and prevent threats. 

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