Electrifying operations at sea
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) from Ships includes a shared ambition to reach net zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050 and a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030.
The IMO’s Strategy highlights the importance of reducing maritime emissions. Still, given the industry’s critical role in global commerce, significant disruption to decarbonise the entire sector is unwelcome. However, with innovative electrification solutions and battery technologies being developed yearly, the process is getting easier and less cost-prohibitive for the industry.
Some battery powered maritime vessels are already in operation today. These ships are smaller tug boats, ferries or offshore support vessels (OSVs). The electrification of larger vessels is more complex but not impossible, and in Sognefjorden, Norway, Norled is currently operating a fully battery powered passenger ferry for its 20-minute crossing between ports in Lavik and Oppendal. The challenge is scaling this technology up to manage longer passenger and freight maritime journeys.
While innovators seek out solutions to unlock the full electrification of larger vessels, there are opportunities today for larger cargo and cruise ships to significantly reduce their emissions and combat the rising prices of fuel by utilising a hybrid system.
Utilising battery hybridisation can improve maritime operations by:
Reducing GHG emissions: Utilising a hybrid battery power method has the potential to reduce up to 20% of maritime GHG emissions
Increasing efficiency: Combustion engines on large vessels are often oversized to allow for brief power surges. This leads to inefficient low-load operations. Batteries have the potential to handle these peak demands, allowing for smaller engines that run more efficiently at constant high loads
Saving fuel costs: In a recent study, DNV GL revealed the significant potential financial benefits of utilising a hybrid battery system for maritime vessels. For ferries, a hybrid battery system could provide fuel-cost savings of between 10% to 30%, with a payback timeframe of three to five years.
How can XNO® support the electrification of maritime vessels?
Echion Technologies’ (Echion’s) niobium-based anode material, XNO®, has the capabilities to enable both the full electrification and hybridisation of small, medium and large maritime vessels. XNO® delivers long cycle life, superfast charging capabilities, market leading safety in lithium-ion batteries and maintains peak performance in wet and damp conditions. It is also amongst the most environmentally friendly anode materials on the market and throughout XNO®’s development journey, Echion has meticulously analysed and reviewed its manufacturing processes and supply chain to ensure that they are aligned with its environmental protection standards.
Some of the benefits of using XNO® in maritime operations
XNO® unlocks unrivalled fast charging capabilities in lithium-ion batteries, providing operators with the ability to fully charge their vessels in less than 10 minutes and reducing vessel down time
XNO® has an exceptionally long cycle life of over 10,000 cycles, meaning operators have to replace batteries less regularly
Stringent testing has revealed that XNO® maintains peak performance in wet or damp conditions
In charge or discharge power-limited applications, excess energy capacity is typically installed to achieve the necessary power requirements. XNO®’s increased power density in charge and discharge lets smaller battery packs be specified instead
An independent study conducted by the University of Ghent revealed that XNO®’s carbon footprint from the material is more than two times lower than Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) or graphite anode materials; XNO®’s main competitor materials
Niobium is not rare and doesn’t require destructive or expensive mining techniques
Because of XNO®’s exceptionally long cycle life, it has high potential as a viable material for second life battery applications such as energy storage. This will provide operators with the opportunity to sell or donate their used batteries, even after 10,000+ cycles
The maritime industry has an opportunity to revolutionise its operations and solve the major challenge of a lack of charging infrastructure by exploring the use of a battery material that unlocks super-fast charging and high energy density. XNO® is able to deliver market leading performance, ease of use and sustainability credentials and is available at scale, today.
Learn more about Echion’s XNO® battery materials and their applications in the maritime industry.
Safe, fast-charging, long-life Li-ion batteries with XNO® anode materials >
