doi: 10.52899/24141437_2025_04_445
UDK: 629.5.01

Design Analysis of Battery-Powered Cargo Ships

Овчинников К. Д., Цыварев М. В.
Article language:
Citation Link: Tsyvarev MV, Ovchinnikov KD. Design Analysis of Battery-Powered Cargo Ships. Transactions of the Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University. 2025;4(4):445–454. DOI: 10.52899/24141437_2025_04_445 EDN: ZYZXZG

Annotation

A fully battery-powered propulsion system ensures the compliance with all applicable environmental requirements, making the development of such vessels very promising. AIM: This work aimed to analyze existing fully battery-powered cargo ship designs and identify key development considerations. Collection and analysis of a database of 13 fully battery-powered cargo ship designs. Analysis of the architecture and structure of ships with a conventional diesel propulsion system and a fully battery-powed propulsion system. A literature review shows the increasing interest in the design of battery-powered vessels. The vessel designs discussed in this paper are highly variable, indicating the lack of a unified approach to the design of battery-powered vessels. A fully battery-powered propulsion system allows to develop unmanned shipping. Battery systems are often located outside the vessel’s hull in removable twenty-foot containers rather than inside it. Fully battery-powered cargo ships have significant potential to transform maritime transport towards environmental sustainability. The study proves their potential for effective use in feeder shipping, where sea endurance and carrying capacity requirements meet stringent environmental standards. Key factors for successful implementation are the improvement of battery technologies, the development of quick charging port infrastructure, and the standardization of design solutions. Keywords: water transport; cargo ships; battery propulsion system; ship design; feeder transportation; unmanned navigation; IMO environmental requirements; comparative analysis.

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