CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum have published the second paper on the environmental impact of batteries in deep-sea shipping.

This paper examines the regulatory framework for battery use in deep-sea shipping, including requirements from flag states, classification societies, and industry standards. While the foundation is strong, gaps remain especially around operational practices and crew training. To address these challenges, the paper outlines clear responsibilities for training and proposes practical recommendations for how regulators, shipowners, and industry bodies can collaborate to ensure the safe and effective integration of batteries at sea.

Download the paper here – Joint Whitepaper
After analyzing the use cases and application areas for batteries in the joint whitepaper by CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum entitled “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping”, published in 2024, the next step was to identify current challenges prohibiting the adoption of battery systems in deep-sea shipping related to regulations and safety.

The current regulatory landscape for maritime batteries has been thoroughly analyzed, and it was concluded that current regulations provide sufficient support for batteries design, installation and testing for application in deep-sea shipping. However, a lack in crew training regulations has been identified. Therefore, impact on crew and the requirements for crew training for battery powered ships is investigated and analyzed to develop an overview and recommendations for crew training requirements for ship owners, operators, flag states and maritime authorities.

CIMAC is the leading global non-profit association promoting the development of ship propulsion, train drive and power generation. The association consists of National Member Associations and Corporate Members in America, Asia and Europe. CIMAC provides a forum for technical interchange with all parties interested in piston engines, gas turbine systems, non-shaftline propulsion systems, automation and controls, system integration and digitalization solutions.

CIMAC acts as a global platform for discussion through a range of events, namely the CIMAC Congress (once every three years), CIMAC Circles, CASCADES and web seminars. The content-related work evolves around CIMAC’s Strategy and Workings Groups which produce publications on various topics.

CIMAC has been granted consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Maritime Battery Forum is a global non-profit association connecting the battery industry with the maritime industry. The vision of the MBF is to be the leading, neutral advocate for maritime battery technology globally. The MBF is on a mission to accelerate the adoption of safe maritime battery solutions to enable emission reductions. MBF members are battery makers, users, and experts from Europe, Asia, and North America, who share knowledge, lessons learned, and insights on topics such as battery safety, technology, applications, standardisation, and sustainability. The MBF provides a platform for collaboration and building a global network of maritime battery enablers.
Source: Maritime Battery Forum