ABS Publishes Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems

ABS has published a new advisory on hybrid electric power systems for the marine and offshore industry.

ABS has announced that, in an effort to provide "the critical information marine and offshore owners and operators need to make smarter decisions about energy generation and storage," the classification society has published the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems.

With an increased focus on compliance with environmental regulation and operational performance, ABS says many marine and offshore owners and operators are beginning to move their attention toward electric propulsion and alternative power sources.

As such, ABS explains that a measured approach was utilised in the development of the advisory, evaluating potential advantages and disadvantages, challenges, and level of readiness for the primary hybrid electric power systems and components that are best suited for marine and offshore applications.

The resulting list of technologies addressed in the Advisory is noted to include lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, flywheel energy storage, fuel cells, wind, and solar.

"In developing the Advisory, we looked beyond the marine and offshore industries to determine how other sectors, like electric utilities and aerospace, have applied non-conventional power to products," said Howard Fireman, ABS Chief Technology Officer.

"This Advisory demonstrates our broad approach to analysing information – identifying and evaluating how technology transfer can deliver comprehensive and practical tools for the marine and offshore industries."

ABS says it worked with Sandia National Laboratories, among other project partners, in order to study the technical, economic and regulatory feasibility of building the SF-BREEZE, a zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell powered, high-speed passenger vessel, a concept for which ABS has issued a conditional Approval in Principle

"Our work with Sandia Labs and the project team provided practical knowledge that was integrated directly into development of the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems," explains ABS.

In January, ABS released a new guide for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, which outlines requirements for the design, construction, and survey of carriers and barges fitted with dedicated LNG transfer arrangements and intended for regular LNG bunkering service.