Becker Marine Systems has introduced its latest innovation: a compact battery rack (COBRA) for marine applications that aims to deliver green energy to ships while at berth at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, held 6-9 September 2016.
According to the company, the concept is still under testing but is expected be available for delivery in 2017. Compared with existing battery packs, the COBRA is 60% the size of its competitors and 30% less weight than similar technologies on the market today.
The lithium ion battery rack is cooled by air so no separate cooling system is needed to make for easier storage. It was initially developed for use in cars and is now underway for marine applications with the aim of making yachts hybrid and for low speed cruising vessels.
The first order has been taken for a water taxi company and Becker Marine is now beginning the marketing prior to full availability next year.
In order to further research and develop such technologies, Becker Marine will employ further staff to increase the employees at the battery factory in Hamburg by 20%.
The company also briefly addressed the difficulties the industry faces with the adoption of green technologies and concepts, such as the implementation of their liquefied natural gas (LNG) Hybrid barge that delivers shore power to cruise ships and acts as a backup to the local electric and power grid under the LNG Hybrid division of the company.
Some authority hurdles have been met a spokesman from Becker Marine Systems stated during a presentation on Wednesday 7th at the trade fair.
The authorities have had a large involvement which has created some setbacks. The LNG barge has received Approval in Principal (AiP) and is supplying power to cruise ships in Hamburg, but every time something is done to it the authorities have to be present.
For example, the rainwater that drains into the sea from the barge must be examined by environmental consultants to assess its impact, which costs around EUR 1,000. Additionally, the cooling water that is taken from the sea to cool the engines has to be paid for, something which Becker Marine states is a financial and logistical hurdle to developing such concepts further.
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