ABS verifies non-flammable and long-lasting battery technology for use at sea

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) says a prototype of the new battery system, based on vanadium redox technology, will be tested later this year.

PHOTO: Oil tanker with a smoke trail. Getty Images

The battery system, dubbed Blue G, has been developed by Singapore-based conglomerate Gennal Engineering using vanadium redox technology.

In this technology, electrical energy is stored in large tanks containing a liquid vanadium electrolyte. Inside the battery system, two separate tanks of vanadium electrolyte are connected to a central fuel cell stack. Electrolyte from the tanks is pumped through the fuel cell stack, where an ion exchange takes place. Unlike a typical lithium-ion battery, this system can conduct more charge and discharge cycles, which gives it a longer lifespan.

Also, the charging and discharging process does not produce excess heat, which adds to its safety features.

“It[Vanadium redox technology] has the advantages of a long lifespan, greatly improved energy capacity and an improved safety profile as a non-flammable product. This technology is one that has the potential to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime industry, supporting global decarbonization goals,” says Gareth Burton vice president technology ABS.

Gennal claims that its battery system will last over 25 years, double the lifespan of a typical lithium-ion battery.

By Shilpa Sharma

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