By
Halvard Hauso |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Shipping emits 1,000 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, which equates to almost 3% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the industry is facing an increasing number of regulations from the International Maritime Organization, local regulators and stricter ports.
There are many solutions already available to help operators comply with these regulations. Lithium-ion battery technology, for example, reduces emissions, enables ship hybridisation and facilitates zero-emission sailing. It has been gaining traction over the past few years to the point where it is now a common part of shipping vessels.
Low sulphur fuels such as LNG are a more environmentally friendly option than heavy fuel oil. However, with a limited supply in many ports and a significant material investment in onboard fuel infrastructure, shipowners may need to look for new ways to make their operations more sustainable.
Consequently, the market for energy storage solutions (ESSs) is expected to grow by 50% each year as operators search for more environmentally friendly propulsion solutions to comply with regulations and appease the rising number of passengers who want to sail on vessels with smaller carbon footprints.
Cruise companies are in a more difficult position than the rest of the industry because they often sail through restricted areas where additional restrictions apply, such as the Norwegian fjords which will have a zero-emission policy from 2026.
To combat the growing pressures on shipping operators, ESS provider Corvus Energy proudly unveiled Corvus Blue Whale this year. The next-generation system is ideal for applications that have low charge/discharge rates and high energy demands, such as cruise, ro-pax and ro-ro vessels.
Using the Blue Whale, passenger ships can run on battery power for long periods of time, for example while sailing through highly sensitive regions or staying in port. Its energy-dense battery cells and space-saving design has enabled Corvus to halve its volume and reduce its mass by 30%. The modular design also makes it easier to implement, reducing installation costs.
The Blue Whale also uses passive air-cooling and incorporates Corvus’s patented single-cell thermal isolation to achieve the highest levels of safety in the industry. Moreover, Corvus Blue Whale has no limitations with regards to battery pack size and will enable cruise companies to comply emission requirements and offer customers a carbon-free experience.
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