SEABAT - Solutions for large batteries for waterborne transport 2nd Academic Event
SEABAT is applying a modular approach, with the aim to reduce component costs (battery, convertor) so that unique ship designs can profit from economies of scale by using standardised low-cost modular components. In SEABAT existing commercial battery cells are used, the concept will be suitable for future battery generations and high-power components that may have higher power densities or are based on different chemistries.
Worldwide the transport sector is turning to electrification to reduce emissions and increase efficiency. On the roads we can see that the mass production of electric vehicles is picking up: every passenger car manufacturer now has full-electric options in their portfolio. Similarly, full-electric buses for public transport are available on the market.
Electrification is a key technology to reduce maritime emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) wants to reduce annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime transport by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, and even pursues efforts towards phasing them out entirely. Electrification is one of the solutions to reach this target, next to other solutions.
However, maritime electric propulsion is not yet mature. For instance, maritime batteries are considerably more expensive than automotive batteries and integrated solutions for ships have not yet started to penetrate the markets.