On 22nd April 2024, we welcomed 20 participants from our member companies for the Singapore Shipping Association’s new Maritime Battery course, which aims to distil key insights into the significance and application of battery technology for the maritime industry and the role it can play in decarbonizing shipping. Conducted by Syb ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director of Maritime Battery Forum, the session offered members a better understanding of safety considerations, future trends, innovations and emerging technologies in maritime batteries.
In the hub ports of Europe, electrification for short sea and inland shipping in harbors and rivers has been studied, piloted and adopted. With around 900 ferries operating on shorter routes in Europe alone, electric power holds potential for zero-emissions sea transport. In Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that from 2030, all new harbour craft will have to be fully electric, be capable of using B100 biofuel, or be compatible with net zero fuels such as hydrogen. Following this announcement, industry demand for such knowledge has been on the rise.
Through this industry-relevant course, participants gained knowledge of safety considerations inherent in maritime battery systems, and a deeper appreciation of the art and science of selecting and right sizing batteries to meet the unique needs of their vessel(s). They also learnt about safety regulations pertaining to electric-propelled vessels, and how to deal with compliance issues.
One of the training participants, Frances Gan, Account Manager at Cambiaso Risso, said, “It’s very informative as an overview on current battery technologies and its risks. In short, battery technology and integration to the other shipboard systems is highly complex. Sharing of knowledge between system integrators, ship operators and battery manufacturers is key.”
We hope that participants of the inaugural run found the course to be useful. The SSA is planning for future runs of the course as more ship owners explore electrification of their vessels as a pathway towards a sustainable future.
If you are interested in future runs of this course, please visit https://www.ssa.org.sg/courses-calendar/ to be notified of upcoming training dates.
It’s very informative as an overview on current battery technologies and its risks. In short, battery technology and integration to the other shipboard systems is highly complex. Sharing of knowledge between system integrators, ship operators and battery manufacturers is key
Frances Gan, Account Manager at Cambiaso Risso