ABS Verifies Non-flammable Blue G Battery System Design

February 23, 2023

ABS is supporting a project to develop an OSV in Malaysia that will feature the innovative battery system. (Image: Evolution Concepts)

Classification society ABS announced it has issued New Technology Qualification (NTQ) for non-flammable battery technology for use at sea.

Called Blue G, the vanadium redox flow battery system from Gennal Engineering PTE LTD is now planned to move into prototype testing later this year.

The Blue G battery is comprised of a water-based electrolyte solution, storage tank, stack cell and regulating pump. The process of charging and discharging energy does not produce excess heat – a unique feature of the system.

“Vanadium redox technology is a potential game changer in the application of batteries at sea. It has the advantages of a long lifespan, greatly improved energy capacity and an improved safety profile as a non-flammable product. This technology is one that has the potential to accelerate the energy transition in the maritime industry, supporting global decarbonization goals,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President, Technology.

Gennal highlights advantages of its system including scalability and a longer lifespan – more than 25 years, which is double that of a typical lithium-ion battery. Gennal also emphasizes the battery design’s recyclable feature showing that the vanadium electrolyte is easily extracted and recycled when the Blue G battery is decommissioned.

“We are glad to be partnering with ABS in achieving this qualification for Blue G. It reflects the confidence ABS has in Gennal in helping the industry to accelerate forward toward marine decarbonization,” said Alex Peck, Director of Gennal Engineering.

In August 2022, ABS announced it is supporting the a project to develop an offshore supply vessel (OSV) in Malaysia that will feature the Blue G battery system. The partnership includes three shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) companies in Malaysia: Grade One Marine Shipyard (GOMS); Muhibbah Marine Engineering (MME); and Shin Yang Shipyard (SYS). The vessel design is being spearheaded by Evolution Concepts together with partners like Gennal Engineering, MacGregor, Raytheon Anschuetz Singapore and Sindex Refrigeration.