LR issues guidance for large battery instalations

LR warns that hazards associated with large battery installations are not specific to a particular cell chemistry.

"Advances in battery technology and energy management capability have rightly seen increasing interest in battery and hybrid power in the maritime industry,” said Louise Dunsby, lead electro-technical specialist. “LR is involved in a wide range of projects which aim to make batteries efficient, stable and commercially viable.”

The guidance discusses how a battery's operation can be affected by a vessel’s power system, placement on board, ventilation, fire-fighting, electrical protection and maintenance.

LR’s studies have included the class society’s experience of large battery installations, on Svitzer's Ecotug Perentie, Euro, Dugong and Bootie, CalMac’s hybrid ferries, Hallaig and Lochinvar, KOTUG’s hybrid tugs, Adriaan, Evolution and Emotion, and Scandlines’ hybrid ferries, Prinsesse Benedikte, Deutschland, Schleswig-Holstein and Prins Richard.

“LR's work in the laboratory, and increasingly on the water, is helping shipowners save fuel and increase efficiency, while reducing emissions. Battery installations also give significant reductions in noise and vibration compared to traditional fuel-based power systems.

“LR is excited to be playing a part in developing battery technology for a future generation of hybrid or potentially even single source vessels," added Dunsby.