CSL Group's battery-hybrid vessel. Image Credit: CSL Group

The global battery-powered vessel fleet has surpassed 2,000 ships, with Norway leading the deployment, according to the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF).

The MBF’s Ship Registry counts vessels delivered with battery installations or currently on order, and the fleet represents 2.4 GWh of battery capacity, it said in an emailed press release on Thursday.

Hybrid vessels account for 68% of the fleet, while 13% are plug-in hybrids and 18% are fully electric.

Average installed capacity has grown to around 1.5 MWh per vessel.

Passenger vessels are the largest segment, with 570 ships, followed by offshore vessels at 313 and cargo vessels at 265.

The registry also includes 219 fishing vessels, 149 workboats, 83 tugs and 83 cruise ships.

“Reaching 2,000+ ships marks a significant moment for marine electrification,” Syb ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director of the MBF, said.

Norway leads the documented fleet, with Europe accounting for most of the battery-powered vessels tracked by the registry.

The MBF said the global figure is likely higher, as its registry currently tracks only 267 ships in China despite the country having a significantly larger battery-powered fleet.

Electrification is becoming increasingly common for vessels on short-sea routes, but scaling battery power for deep-sea shipping remains a significant challenge.

Recently, the International Chamber of Shipping also said batteries are unlikely to replace conventional fuels as the main propulsion source for large oceangoing vessels because of their low energy density.