As a result of studies into the use of emergency and back-up batteries on ships, Furukawa Battery and Eco Marine Power (EMP) have launched a service to help shipowners reduce battery replacement costs. This service known as the Ship Battery Replacement and Management Service will also reduce waste, reduce the workload for the crew and help improve safety.
During the past few years Furukawa Battery and EMP have been cooperating with the development of renewable energy solutions for ships and have jointly undertaken a number of projects to study and implement marine solar power solutions. During these projects class-approved batteries were installed, however it became obvious that there was scope to utilise battery technologies from Furukawa Battery for other applications on-board ships.
The FCR series batteries for example are ideally suited for 24 VDC emergency back-up battery banks and due to their long-life characteristics they do not need to be replaced as often as many batteries currently being used for this purpose. Additionally they are over 90 per cent recyclable and therefore they are an environmentally friendly option as well. The FCR series are a safe, reliable and easy to install energy storage option and have superior performance characteristics when compared to other similar battery technologies. They also offer customers a less complicated alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Other class-approved battery types available include the UltraBattery, FCP and FC series.
As part of the Ship Battery Replacement and Management Service, Furukawa Battery and EMP will review the installed batteries on a fleet basis and provide recommendations to shipowners or ship managers regarding replacements or upgrades. Details regarding how a testing plan can extend the life of the installed batteries will also be included. In addition advice regarding safety or storage issues will be highlighted.
Mr. Yasuhiro Kodaka, general manager, overseas sales & marketing department at Furukawa Battery, said: “Furukawa Battery has a range of class-approved batteries suitable for use on ships and we look forward to working with Eco Marine Power to help ship managers and ship owners reduce costs and improve how they manage on-board batteries and their replacements.”
Greg Atkinson, chief technology officer at Eco Marine Power, added: “Not only is it possible to reduce battery replacement costs by improving on-board battery management but it can also improve safety. We have for example seen cases where batteries have exploded due to incorrect or low quality types being installed or batteries failing after just a few months for the same reason. Clearly if emergency back-up batteries fail then this is a serious safety issue and these problems can be prevented via our new service.”
In addition to recommending and supplying replacement batteries, Furukawa Battery and EMP can arrange to supply battery cable sets, battery spacers, battery frame kits and battery test units.
