MARAD Report: Energy Efficiency & Battery Compartment Design

MARAD released an Energy Efficiency White Paper. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced the availability of the Energy Efficiency White Paper that provides marine vessel owners and operators information on how to evaluate potential investments in efficiency measures and technologies.

The white paper outlines the latest energy efficiency measures currently available for marine vessels, including how the technology works, potential fuel savings, applicability to various vessels types, and lifecycle costs.  If implemented, these types of energy efficiency measures may also assist owners of vessels undergoing a major conversion to comply with the Energy Efficiency for Ships Regulations contained in Chapter 4 of MARPOL Annex VI.

The white paper was developed through the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) with funding from MARAD’s Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program.  The white paper can be found at http://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/uploads/pdf/SOCP-Marine-Vessel-Energy-Efficiency-FinalReport.pdf  Contact: Kim Strong, 202.366.5807
 
MARAD Releases Report on Improved Battery Compartment Design for Hybrid Tugs

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced the availability of a report evaluating the design and construction of new battery components, as well as the risks and benefits of battery use in the power plant of a hybrid tugboat. 

The assessment, which was conducted after a battery-related fire aboard a hybrid tug, looks at the benefits and risks associated with the reinstallation of batteries as part of the vessel’s hybrid power system.  The assessment showed that a refined design with explosion protection, structural separation from occupied spaces, specialized battery controls, and shutdown protocols improved the risk profile for the hybrid power system.  The assessment also demonstrated that without the battery array, the hybrid system would not achieve the tug’s full performance requirements nor the emissions and fuel consumption reductions made possible by hybrid technology.

The report was developed through a partnership with Foss Maritime Company with funding from MARAD’s Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) Program.  MARAD’s META program is designed to assist maritime stakeholders in addressing key environmental issues facing the industry.   The report can be found at http://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Hybrid-Battery-Refit-Final-Report-with-pics.pdf   Contact: Kim Strong 202.366.5807