New notations and rules for hybrid power systems
Seaspan Swift is among the first hybrid LNG-fuelled and battery-powered vessel in service (Image: Seaspan)
The classification society’s Martial Claudepierre, business development manager, noted that shipping’s uptake of hybrid and battery technology has been driven by environmental regulation. But, he said, owners are also finding performance benefits and for some operations, significant financial benefits seem likely – particularly as the availability of renewable energy increases.
The cruise and ferry sector has pioneered hybrid innovation, Claudepierre observed, but wider adoption is likely as energy storage systems can be used while ships are docked in port, and for manoeuvring, peak shaving, power smoothing and dynamic positioning operations. Two new ferries commissioned this year by Seaspan broke new ground by combining LNG propulsion with energy storage systems, and the classification society’s new rules and notations will ensure that such systems can be designed and operated safely and efficiently, he said.
