The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and Bureau Veritas (BV) has just dropped a bombshell report that’s set to shake things up. The MARITIME ELECTRIFICATION report is a wake-up call, underscoring the critical need for standardization and safe integration of marine electrification technologies. As the sector grapples with decarbonization, BV’s insights are a beacon, guiding the way forward.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and shoreside Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems are the talk of the town, and for good reason. They’re the heavy hitters in the maritime sector’s quest for sustainability. But here’s the kicker: they come with their own set of challenges. Li-ion batteries, while promising, can be a ticking time bomb if not managed properly. The severity of the risks? Well, that depends on battery capacity, operational role, and the ruggedness of the system. So, marine battery systems need to be designed and integrated with precision, tailored to their onboard applications, without compromising ship performance and safety.
Now, let’s talk OPS. These systems need to handle the diversity of ships calling at ports and their respective needs. Standardization is key here, ensuring an “any ship, any port” concept. But here’s where it gets interesting. The effectiveness of OPS as a GHG abatement strategy hinges on the carbon intensity of the electricity being sourced. If the electricity’s carbon intensity is higher than 434 gCO2eq/kWh, we’re not seeing any tank-to-wake GHG abatement. It’s a complex web, but BV’s report is a step towards unraveling it.
The maritime sector’s appetite for battery-assisted propulsion is driven by several factors. Higher energy efficiencies, improved response times, reduced noise and vibrations, and meeting environmental regulations are just a few. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: batteries demand significantly more space than liquid fuels. And let’s not overlook the need for sufficient Shoreside Battery Charging (SBC) infrastructure. Charging can occur in AC or DC, depending on the vessel’s requirements and the port’s available infrastructure. Alternatively, vessels can swap out depleted battery units for charged ones at the berth – a process known as Battery Swapping (BS).
The global fleet of battery-powered vessels has seen substantial growth, with around 1,045 vessels in operation and an additional 561 under construction as of March 2025. Most of these are battery hybrids, with pure battery electric vessels representing around 20%. This growth reflects the maturing of battery technology and its increasing commercial viability for maritime applications. Car and passenger ferries, supply vessels, fishing vessels, cruise ships, tugs, general cargo ships, and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels have all embraced this technology.
But here’s the million-dollar question: how might this news shape future developments in the sector? Well, for starters, it’s a clarion call for standardization and robust safety regulations. Without clear international safety standards that regulate the integration of battery systems, owners and operators may lack the assurance needed to integrate these systems into their decarbonization strategies. “Electrification technology is well established in the industry. However, in order to scale effectively and safely, ESS and OPS systems must be supported by robust, standardized and mandated safety regulations,” said Matthieu de Tugny, President, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity for the maritime industry to step up, innovate, and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
The maritime industry is at a tipping point. BV’s report is a catalyst, sparking debate and challenging norms. It’s a call to action, urging the sector to embrace electrification technologies, standardize safety regulations, and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. The ball is in the maritime industry’s court. Let’s see how they play it.
