New LR Guidance on Large Battery Installations

Lloyd's Register (LR) has released a new guidance document aimed at facilitating a risk-based approach to battery use. The guidance describes the key hazards to consider when installing battery technology, and gives an overview of our non-prescriptive approach to approval. The guidance also covers battery chemistry and industry standards.

 

The guidance starts at the beginning of a battery system’s lifecycle when the cells are being manufactured, and goes on to consider how an installation affects or is affected by a vessel’s power system, placement on board, ventilation, firefighting, electrical protection and maintenance. The guidance aims to help industry consider the hazards associated with large battery installations but is not specific to a particular cell chemistry. 

 

Louise Dunsby, Lead Electrotechnical Specialist, Lloyd’s Register commented, “We aim to help industry establish a process for approving these installations which will remain relevant regardless of the way battery technology evolves.

 

"Advances in battery technology and energy management capability have rightly seen increasing interest in battery and hybrid power in the maritime industry. LR is involved in a wide range of projects which aim to make batteries efficient, stable and commercially viable. LR's work in the laboratory, and increasingly on the water, is helping shipowners save fuel and increase efficiency, while reducing emissions. Battery installations also give significant reductions in noise and vibration compared to traditional fuel-based power systems."

 

LR said its experience with large battery installations includes the following vessels classed and in service: