BV adds hybrid power and battery rules

The new rules provide a framework for electric and hybrid power solutions, including power management (PM), power back-up (PB) and zero emission (ZE) standards.

It is expected that the notations will encourage wider uptake of energy storage systems (ESS) to provide both operational and environmental benefits.

Martial Claudepierre, business development manager, Bureau Veritas, said: “Industry uptake of hybrid and battery technology has been driven by environmental regulation. But owners are also finding performance benefits and, for some operations, significant financial benefits seem likely – particularly as the availability of renewable energy increases.”

Innovation has been led by the cruise and ferry sector, but wider adoption is being anticipated he added.

“Ships with relatively short voyages making regular port calls could plug into local power enabling access to electricity from renewable energy sources as well.”

Electric power provided by an ESS can be used when a ship is in port, during manoeuvring or alongside, to reduce or eliminate local air emissions when in proximity to centres of population or in emission control areas (ECAs).

Importantly, ESS can also provide peak shaving, power smoothing and power for DP (dynamic positioning) operations, providing operators with flexible efficiency in meeting operational requirements.