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Foreship's ship energy expert, Jan-Erik Rasanen, believes that one of the world's leading cruise vessel owners will back battery power in 2017.

Commenting on developments in the maritime market on Thursday, Rasanen said: "I am convinced that one of the main cruise ship players will make a commitment to battery power before the end of this year."

Unveiled this week as Foreship's new Head of Technology, Rasanen's new role is designed to expand the ship design and engineering company's energy-saving consulting services at a time when the cruise industry is considering the best way of harnessing fast-emerging hybrid, battery and fuel cell technologies.

Based in Helsinki, Rasanen will focus on helping owners implement energy-saving measures already developed by Foreship. He will also offer expertise on the application of digitalization, hybrid, battery and fuel cell technologies in shipping, for which he is widely known in the maritime sector, drawing on a career in energy efficiency and retrofits.

In a 20-year period with ABB that included extensive managerial experience in both newbuilding and retrofits, Rasanen ultimately became Head of New Technologies for the group's marine business. He played a key role in advancing energy management and decision support through software and the adoption of battery technologies on working vessels, with landmark projects including the retrofit of the complete power and propulsion systems for two of the world's largest emission-free electric ferries. In 2013, Rasanen compiled and edited the widely-cited book 'Energy Efficiency - The other alternative fuel'.

"This is a critical moment for shipping, given the range of technologies and many combinations available, and different views on whether battery technology is best installed at newbuild stage or during a retrofit," said Rasanen.

"Foreship's goal is to consider the complete picture and design the best-performing ship. Technical objectivity is best achieved at this early stage, before suppliers become involved," he added.

Lauri Haavisto, Managing Director, Foreship, says Mr Rasanen's experience in shipboard system installations and processes is critical in striking the right balance between how energy is produced and stored, and when and where it is used. "Jan-Erik is renowned for his technical expertise and we are delighted to welcome him to Foreship. His detailed knowledge of ship energy efficiency adds a new dimension to our consultancy services. Conventional generator sets have proved durable as a technical option for cruise ships, but change is coming sooner rather than later as the potential of batteries and fuel cells becomes more widely appreciated."

Rasanen remarked: "Cruise owners are aware that battery technology has been proving itself in the ferry market, especially in the commuter sector. The basic technologies we have in our hands today will be around for the coming 5-10 years. However, costs are likely to fall over the next two years, while I expect different battery chemistries to serve energy and power applications. This is a decisive moment for alternative energy sources in shipping."