ABS and Sea Forrest partner to advance maritime electrification technologies

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Singapore-based maritime technology firm Sea Forrest Power have collaborated to drive enhancements in maritime electrification technologies.

PHOTO: Company representatives at deal signing ceremony at an ABS conference in Singapore. ABS

Under the agreement, both parties “will cover projects for electric vessels, shore charging infrastructure along with related industry standards and marine classification requirements,” ABS says.

The partnership will also “study the pertinent safety considerations for the development of fire resilient battery room or enclosure designs,” the classification society adds.

The deal is supported by the ABS Electrification Center in Singapore. In September, ABS launched the center to aid decarbonisation efforts across the maritime industry. Backed by ABS’ engineers and technicians, the center supports electrification projects for shipowners, shipyards and other stakeholders across the Asia Pacific region and globally.

ABS intends “to advance emerging battery technologies and shore power connection technologies to understand the risks of electrified vessels and to support infrastructure planning as ports become increasingly electrified and connected,” ABS’ Technology’s vice president Gareth Burton says.

Electrification projects on the rise

Electrification projects have been on the rise as shipowners look to enable decarbonisation and improve vessels' efficiency.

Last month, Danish ferry operator DFDS committed to deploying a fleet of battery-powered vessels in the English Channel by 2030.

In August, Danish offshore charging services provider Stillstrom partnered with UK-based offshore vessel operator North Star for offshore charging and electrification of Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) in the offshore wind industry.

By Tuhin Roy

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