US study reveals batteries can power container ships

A study by Nature Energy Journal has revealed that batteries can efficiently power container ships with minimal impact on their carrying capacity.

PHOTO: Aerial view of oil tanker. Getty Images

It says assumptions about high costs, lower energy efficiency and onboard storage space needs for battery-powered container shipping are outdated.

With fall in costs and improvement in battery energy density, the technology has potential to electrify big ships on voyages up to 5,000 km, and can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it says.

It claims that battery-driven propulsion can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from US-based container ships by 14%, and by over 40% from ships on global routes.

Amid a move towards more stringent emissions regulations, the shipping industry is exploring viable options to replace heavy fuel oils. The study's authors call for more research in battery-electric propulsion, but talked down electrofuels (e-fuels), which they argue can escalate fuel costs for container ships by 200-600% compared to heavy fuel oils.

E-fuels are manufactured by treating captured carbon dioxide with hydrogen obtained from renewable electricity sources such as wind, solar and nuclear power.

The maritime industry currently emits around 2.5-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a share that would grow a business-as-usual scenario, and as other industries decarbonise.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set a target of reducing carbon intensity of shipping by at least 40% by 2050, while pursuing efforts towards a 70% cut, compared to 2008 emissions.