Hybrid systems are a transition. The long-term goal is full electric propulsion, using batteries (for short-range) or fuel cells (for long-range). The electric marine propulsion market is still small but growing rapidly.

Battery-Electric Vessels

The [LSI keyword: electric marine propulsion market] for battery-electric vessels is most advanced in the ferry sector. Norway has many all-electric ferries, charging at each dock. The electric marine propulsion market for "short-sea" shipping (coastal, inland waterways) is also growing. The electric marine propulsion market for "tugboats" (which have high power demand but short operating cycles) is developing. The electric marine propulsion market for "battery" capacity is measured in MWh; a typical electric ferry may have 2-5 MWh of batteries. The electric marine propulsion market for "charging" infrastructure is critical: high-power chargers (1-5 MW) are needed. The electric marine propulsion market for "swappable" battery containers (like a battery bank that can be exchanged in minutes) is being tested. The electric marine propulsion market for "inductive" charging (wireless) is a niche.

The electric marine propulsion market is limited by battery energy density. Current Li-ion batteries offer about 150-200 Wh/kg, which is much lower than diesel fuel (about 12,000 Wh/kg, including engine efficiency). Therefore, all-electric range is limited to short trips (less than 100 km). The electric marine propulsion market for "inland" vessels (on rivers, canals) is feasible; for ocean-going vessels, it is not yet practical. The electric marine propulsion market for "hybrid" (with a range extender generator) is a compromise.

Fuel Cell Electric Vessels

The electric marine propulsion market for fuel cells (using hydrogen or ammonia) offers longer range. A fuel cell converts hydrogen (or ammonia) to electricity, with only water vapor (and nitrogen) as exhaust. The electric marine propulsion market for "hydrogen" fuel cells is being tested on small passenger ferries and on pilot vessels. The electric marine propulsion market for "ammonia" fuel cells is less mature, but ammonia is easier to store than hydrogen. The electric marine propulsion market for "fuel cell" range extension (adding fuel cells to a battery-electric vessel) is a likely pathway. As the electric marine propulsion market continues to evolve, the focus will be on reducing the cost of batteries and fuel cells, on improving charging infrastructure, and on developing "green" hydrogen (from renewable energy). The electric marine propulsion market is the ultimate goal for sustainable shipping, but it is a long-term transition.

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