Non-flammable rechargeable batteries for ships

Business success is easier to achieve if you have best-in-class partners, especially as shipping continues its decarbonisation transformation.

Synergy Marine Group is therefore delighted to announce that it is now working with US-based battery developer Alsym Energy and Japan’s largest shipowner Nissen Kaiun, in order to roll out non-flammable rechargeable batteries on managed vessels.

The partnership will see Alsym provide Synergy and Nissen Kaiun with 1 GW of batteries annually for three years from 2025, conditional on the battery systems meeting key performance levels and regulatory requirements specific to cargo ships and tankers.

Alsym said it aims to provide batteries at a fraction of the cost of lithium-based technologies that may be used to power ships as they enter and leave port, power berthed ships, and support peak shaving applications at sea.

“These batteries can help reduce risks to crew and cargo, as well as lower insurance costs for fleet managers and shippers,” the company claimed.

Our COO (Marine Services) Mathavan Subbiah said “We have envisioned Alsym Energy’s high performance, low-cost and non-flammable batteries as unparalleled sources of green power for our managed vessels. In continuing our journey towards complete decarbonisation, we will first of all use Alsym’s batteries in conjunction with fossil fuel-based power, and then as soon as possible transition to using them independently. In the immediate future, we see Alsym’s batteries playing a big role in hybrid setups, to achieve better demand management in lessening spikes (i.e. peak shavings) and to attain emission-free port operations and clean propulsion capabilities for arrival and departure.”

Our founder and CEO Captain Rajesh Unni added “By lowering the cost of electrification and minimising the risk of battery-related fire, Alsym’s technology is a safer alternative that can help the shipping industry meet its goal of zero net emissions by 2050, especially in view of the European Commission’s recent proposal to classify lithium as toxic.”