A new research and innovation project aims to cut the cost of today’s marine battery electric drivetrains in half and relieve ship owners of the burden of capital expense.
Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme and led by marine battery manufacturer Spear Power Systems, the Current Direct project will develop new technology anticipated to enable rapid adoption to reduce greenhouse emissions by 482,000MT of CO2 equivalents per year.
The project brings together thirteen partners from across Europe’s marine electrification value chain and will culminate in a demonstration of the Current Direct battery, shore charging, and asset management platform by Kotug in Rotterdam.
“Current Direct’s innovative Energy as a Service platform will enable ship owners to accelerate their participation in the shift to clean energy while creating new business opportunities for shipyards and local entrepreneurs,” said the project partners.
Partner contributions
Blackstone Technology is lowering the cost of manufacturing tomorrow’s 3D printed lithium-ion cells using state of the art active materials from Umicore.
Belgium’s University of Hasselt will develop physics-based models of the Current Direct cells that will help optimise the life and return on investment of battery systems deployed across Europe as part of the Current Direct Energy as a Service platform.
Foreship will lend its expertise to EDP CNET’s knowledge of electrical markets to ensure the Current Direct platform targets optimal vessels and locations maximising reductions in emissions.
VUB’s material science experts are creating low-cost composites to improve the safety of battery packs that are designed for recyclability and feature VITO’s smart cell monitoring electronics.
Wärtsilä will develop modular battery containers and charging infrastructure that will be certified by Lloyd’s Register.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
