More information
Description
Waterborne transport emissions represent approx. 3% of the global GHG emissions and approx. 13,5% of the EU’s total GHG emissions. Those could increase between 50% and 250% by 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario, undermining the objectives of the Paris Agreement. In line with the Paris Agreement goals, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in 2018, stipulated a greenhouse gas emission strategy aiming at reducing GHG emissions from the waterborne transport sector by at least 50% by 2050.
Electric vessels are a promising alternative to assist in this task and achieve the targets set by the IMO. Even though the market share of electric vessels is gradually increasing, many companies are skeptical in acquiring such vessels, since this type of vessel requires long charging times between trips and, therefore, need to make many stops along a voyage. Limitations in the existing infrastructure present an additional barrier that decelerates the adaption of such technologies.
This issue could be addressed through battery swapping. Battery swapping is a technology, where depleted batteries are removed and replaced (swapped) with fully charged ones. The depleted batteries are taken ashore for recharging, while the vessel continues to operate with the newly installed batteries. This technology allows the end-users to have the energy needed, when they need it, at a competitive price.
Battery swapping has the following benefits: (i) reduced downtimes, (ii) flexible charging infrastructure, (iii) modular energy storage, (iv) simplified maintenance and upgrades, and (v) grid balancing and energy management.
The project intends to perform a feasibility study focused on the route infrastructure for coastal and short-sea-shipping with vessels utilizing battery swapping technology in the Ionian Sea as well as the Saronic Gulf, close to Athens.