Swappable batteries used as power source to reduce emissions in the shipping industry - Interviews with Swedish shipping companies

Abstract

With today's focus on the environment and the climate change, it is obvious that the shipping industry needs to move away from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives. Electric propulsion is a promising option, but one of many questions is how to charge the batteries in a practical and climate friendly way. Swappable lithium-ion batteries in container form have been developed and are used for river traffic in the Netherlands. This report examines whether this technology can be implemented in the Swedish shipping industry. The report present interviews with Swedish Ro-Pax shipping companies, to find out whether they are considering swappable battery container solutions to be an alternative for their operation, and the pros and cons in terms of maintenance, infrastructure, safety, logistics and technical competence. The results show that the Swedish shipping companies is positive towards this technology, but better logistics solutions and batteries with higher energy storage capacity are needed for this technology to become an attractive alternative.