Marine Battery Power a "Surprising" Option for Short Sea Shipping

Harry Robertsson, technical director at Stena Teknik, says the group is interested in the potential battery power may hold for powering its fleet.

Harry Robertsson, technical director at Stena Group's (Stena) vessel design subsidiary, Stena Teknik, says Stena owners are interested in the potential battery power may hold for powering the company's fleet, beginning with battery powered bow thrusters, the Motorship reports.

The comments are said to come following a study conducted by the company, which explored what the marine fuel scenario may look like within the next 15 years.

"What surprised us in this study was that batteries could be an attractive option for short sea shipping 15 years from now," said Robertsson, adding that it is expected that "in the longer term, biofuels and fuel cells will enter the market."

However, Robertsson also notes that currently, "marine batteries are three times as expensive as car batteries, and so far the capacity and lifespan of fuel cells are too small."

Robertsson went on to explain that the use of battery powered bow thrusters among the group's fleet is an interesting option, as it could negate the need for the use of an additional two generator sets when vessels enter port.

Following the installation of bow thrusters, Stena Line is said to be aiming to replace two of the four engines on its ferries with electric motors, which would be charged using onshore stations, enabling zero emissions sailing at and between ports, and along the Stockholm archipelago.

Robertsson says that Stena has also designed a concept vessel, Stena Elektra, which features methanol propulsion and energy storage, and the company suggests it could become a reality by the year 2030.

As Ship & Bunker previously reported, Robertsson said that, even with carbon tax and other fees added to fuel prices, HFO bunkers with sulfur scrubbers could be shipowners' most cost effective option for emission control area (ECA) compliance.