As more workboats and vessels move towards battery power, ports and harbours need to be ready for more than just charging.
Battery fire safety, berth readiness and emergency response are becoming critical operational issues.
Lithium-ion battery fires can behave very differently from conventional fires. Thermal runaway can generate intense heat, toxic gases and the risk of reignition — creating serious challenges for vessel operators, harbourmasters, emergency responders and insurers.
At the same time, UK and European regulation is accelerating the move towards electrification and shore power, putting greater pressure on ports to understand what infrastructure, procedures and emergency arrangements they need in place.
Batteries & Electrification: Are our ports ready? is a free-to-attend, 45-minute online session looking at what the transition to battery-powered vessels means for ports and harbour operations — and what needs to be considered before more vessels arrive at the berth.
Presenters
Moderator - Debbie Mason
Editor, Maritime Journal
Debbie is an experienced journalist who has edited Maritime Journal for just over four years. She works closely with the Seawork team.
Chris Kruger
Founder - AYK Energy
Chris is an electrical engineer with 12 years' experience in the semiconductor industry before deciding to move to batteries. In 2008 he and his team developed the first traction battery for the Fisker Carma hybrid automobile. He joined Corvus in 2010 as director of engineering and developed the industry's first type-approved battery for marine propulsion. He installed the first hybrid and fully electric ferry batteries in 2012. In 2018 he started AYK with a focus on cost, quality and safety. He has received type approval from six marine certification agencies on seven battery models.
Mike Schwarz
CEO, International Institute of Marine Surveying
Mike joined IIMS as CEO in January 2014. Although from neither a technical nor marine background originally, Mike brings a wealth of skills gained from senior roles in media, publishing, membership, and events organisations. He is a keen exponent of the internet, digital and social media. His fresh set of eyes meant he has been able to identify new opportunities and shape the Institute for the digital age. Mike chaired the MCA’s Certifying Authority Professional Standards Working Group for 5 years and has become increasingly passionate about driving up marine surveying standards in general. He is also a founding Council member of the Maritime Professional Council. In his spare time, Mike is a keen tennis player and passionate music fan, citing the 1970s as the greatest musical decade.