Batteries and DC Shore Charging for High-Speed Electric Vessels

Marine lithium-ion batteries have enabled zero emission plug-in operations. However, most initial projects involve car ferries with short repetitive routes, larger machinery spaces to locate batteries and longer loading periods for slower recharging. High-speed passenger craft consume significantly more power with typically shorter docking times. This paper will explore their recent history. An examination of lithium-ion technologies will highlight areas for improvement and safety design options. The paper will then tackle DC rapid charging. Charging transformers and power converters can be placed shoreside representing a significant vessel weight savings. Finally, the development of DC charging standards trying to catch up to AC ones will be explored.