Image credit: Rolls-Royce

---

Rolls-Royce is launching a lithium-ion based energy storage system for ships named SAVe Energy.

SAVe Energy is being marketed as a cost-competitive, highly efficient, liquid-cooled battery system with a modular design that enables the product to scale according to energy and power requirements.

It is an energy storage unit (ESU) system that has been class-approved by DNV GL, confirming that SAVe Energy has been developed in accordance with international legislation for low- and zero-emission propulsion systems, and is accepted for installation on all vessels classed by DNV GL.

Combined with an LNG or diesel-powered engine in a hybrid solution, Rolls-Royce says SAVe Energy will increase efficiency and reduce emissions, and can be coupled with most types of propulsion units.

In a hybrid set-up, SAVe Energy handles the peak load, while the main power generators will relate to the average load and not reduce the propulsion units thrusting capabilities, Rolls-Royce notes.

The development work has been partly funded by the Norwegian Research Council of Norway's ENERGIX program. Ship owners Color Line, Norled and the Norwegian Coastal Administration Shipping Company have been partners in the development, ensuring that the energy storage system covers a wide variety of marine applications, including ferries, cruise vessels and multi-purpose ships.

Andreas Seth, Rolls-Royce, EVP Electrical, Automation and Control - Commercial Marine, said: "The electrification of ships is building momentum. From 2010, we have delivered battery systems representing about 15 MWh in total. However now the potential deployment of our patent pending SAVe Energy in 2019 alone is 10-18 MWh.

"Battery systems have become a key component of our power and propulsions systems, and SAVe Energy is being introduced on many of the projects we are currently working on. This includes the upgrade programme for Hurtigruten's cruise ferries, the advanced fishing vessel recently ordered by Prestfjord and the ongoing retrofits of offshore support vessels. As a system provider we can find the best solution considering both installation and operational cost."