RINA and Hanwha Ink MoU for Battery-Hybrid Propulsion Systems
RINA, the Italian classification society, and Hanwha Ocean, the South Korean shipbuilder formerly known as DSME, have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop battery-hybrid propulsion systems for commercial vessels. The partnership combines RINA's classification expertise and regulatory knowledge with Hanwha's shipbuilding and systems integration capabilities, targeting a new generation of vessels that use battery-electric power to reduce emissions and fuel consumption during port operations, maneuvering, and low-speed transits.
What Are Battery-Hybrid Propulsion Systems?
Battery-hybrid propulsion combines conventional marine engines — typically running on LNG, methanol, or marine diesel — with large-scale lithium-ion battery banks and electric drive motors. The system operates in multiple modes: pure electric power for port approaches and maneuvering, hybrid mode with engines and batteries sharing the load during transits, and engine-only mode for sustained high-power operation.
The battery component enables peak shaving, where batteries absorb load spikes during maneuvering that would otherwise require running main engines at inefficient part-load conditions. It also enables zero-emission port operations, where vessels shut down all combustion engines while alongside and operate on battery power alone for hotel loads and cargo systems.
Why Are RINA and Hanwha Collaborating?
The collaboration addresses a specific market need: ship designs that integrate battery-hybrid systems from the outset rather than treating them as retrofits. Current battery-hybrid installations are predominantly found on short-sea ferries and offshore support vessels, where operating profiles with frequent maneuvering and port time maximize battery utilization. The RINA-Hanwha partnership aims to extend battery-hybrid technology to larger vessel types including container feeders, chemical tankers, and LNG carriers.
RINA brings its classification rules for battery installations on ships, which address safety requirements including battery room ventilation, thermal runaway protection, fire suppression, and electromagnetic compatibility. Hanwha contributes shipyard design and construction capability, along with its growing expertise in integrated power management systems developed through its defense and energy businesses.
What Emissions Reductions Can Battery-Hybrid Systems Achieve?
The emissions benefit depends on the vessel's operating profile. For vessels spending significant time in port or maneuvering in coastal waters, battery-hybrid systems can reduce overall fuel consumption by 10 to 20% and eliminate emissions entirely during battery-only operation. A container feeder vessel operating on short European routes with frequent port calls could achieve a 15% reduction in annual CO2 emissions through battery-hybrid operation.
The air quality benefit in port areas is equally important. Ports worldwide face tightening emission standards, and several — including those in California, the EU, and China — are implementing or planning zero-emission berth requirements. Battery-hybrid vessels can comply with these requirements without shore power connections, providing operational flexibility.
What Are the Technical Challenges?
Battery energy density remains the fundamental limitation. Current maritime lithium-ion batteries store approximately 150 to 200 watt-hours per kilogram — sufficient for port operations and maneuvering but inadequate for sustained propulsion of large vessels. This means battery-hybrid systems supplement rather than replace conventional engines for open-ocean transit.
Battery safety is a critical design consideration. Thermal runaway — where a battery cell failure cascades to adjacent cells, generating intense heat and potentially toxic gas — requires robust containment and suppression systems. RINA's classification rules mandate dedicated battery rooms with independent ventilation, gas detection, water mist fire suppression, and structural containment rated for thermal runaway events.
Battery lifecycle cost and replacement intervals also affect commercial viability. Maritime batteries typically require replacement after 8 to 12 years depending on utilization, adding a significant mid-life capital expenditure.
What Is the Market Outlook?
DNV's Maritime Forecast to 2050 projects that battery-hybrid systems will be installed on 15 to 20% of newbuildings by 2030, up from approximately 5% today. The primary drivers are regulatory compliance, fuel cost savings, and port emission requirements.
Conclusion
The RINA-Hanwha partnership positions both organizations to capitalize on the growing demand for battery-hybrid commercial vessels. By developing integrated designs that address classification, safety, and performance requirements from the outset, the collaboration aims to make battery-hybrid propulsion a mainstream option for a wider range of vessel types.