Small Ships Lead Shipping's Electric Revolution

The shipping industry is on the cusp of an electric transformation, with smaller feeder vessels leading the charge. While mega-ships continue to dominate major sea routes, it is these humbler fleets that are poised to drive the adoption of clean energy in maritime transport.

The Ning Yuan Dian Kun, a recently delivered electric container ship, exemplifies this trend with its substantial battery capacity, offering a glimpse into the future. Though its capacity of 740 TEUs is modest compared to colossal vessels, it highlights a significant development for the thousands of smaller ports that cannot accommodate larger ships.

These feeder vessels, many carrying fewer than 3,000 TEUs, are vital to the global transport network. They are also significant contributors to marine pollution, with smaller ships accounting for a substantial portion of emissions. Initiatives in Norway and China, including companies like Eitzen Group and Cosco Shipping, are developing and deploying battery-powered vessels.

Studies suggest that declining battery costs and carbon pricing could make electric ships economically competitive for shorter routes. Furthermore, efforts to electrify port operations by plugging in moored vessels are underway in Europe, North America, and China. While alternative fuels like LNG, methanol, and ammonia are also gaining traction, the ongoing improvements in battery technology indicate a growing role for electrification in decarbonizing the shipping sector.