Houston-based Fleetzero has received product design assessment approval from classification society ABS for its marine battery energy storage system, the Leviathan. The approval marks a key regulatory milestone, as classification society certification is generally required before marine equipment can be deployed on commercial vessels.

ABS announced the approval in a statement published on its website on Tuesday. The assessment covers the Leviathan lithium iron phosphate battery system, which is designed for marine vessel applications. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry is known for its thermal stability characteristics relative to some other lithium-ion chemistries, a consideration that carries particular weight in marine environments where fire safety is critical.

The system is capable of operating at up to 1,000 VDC and carries an IP67 ingress protection rating. Its modular, containerised architecture allows for deployment across multiple vessel types.

Fleetzero expects the first commercial installation to take place later this year. The initial deployment will involve 10 MWh of battery capacity as part of a vessel's conversion to hybrid-electric propulsion. Hybrid-electric propulsion is among the pathways ship operators are exploring as the maritime sector works toward greenhouse gas reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization.

"The maritime industry needs proven, class-approved energy storage that is built on a safe, scalable chemistry," said Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero. "The Leviathan delivers exactly that, and we are putting it to work immediately."

ABS stated that the approval supports the safe deployment of new battery technology in marine applications.

Source: Ship & Bunker