In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) launched a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The strategy aims to reduce emissions with 50 per cent by 2050.

Electric and hybrid ship propulsion could be vital to achieving this target. These types of solutions, however, have so far been hampered by limited battery capacity and cumbersome installation procedures.

In cooperation with XALT Energy, Clean Marine Switchboards (CMSw) is delivering the XPAND battery system as a part of its grid solution. The system aims to simplify battery installations for ships.

XPAND is a modular solution delivered in a custom-made battery cabinet. The solution consists of a set of lithium-ion batteries, connected in one large string, with a total capacity of up to 142kWh. The strings can be connected in parallel to achieve megawatt capacities

The XPAND batteries are cooled using liquids and the system has few external parts. Cables, cooling pipes and exhaust ventilation are all fully integrated in the robust cabinet, which is designed in cooperation with Logstrup steel.

The battery packs come in a standard size (219x133x95cm), and copper busbars inside the cabinet reduce the need for cables and shorten installation time.

The XPAND battery system makes it easier to build and retrofit hybrid solutions for ships. The practical design means the system is easy to install, while the powerful batteries make it a useful addition to most vessels.

The XPAND battery system is designed for safe and reliable use. The battery packs are fully enclosed in the custom-made cabinet.

Electric and hybrid solutions are becoming sought-after across the shipbuilding industry, with Europe at the forefront of green initiatives. This means that battery solutions increasingly will be in demand.

Clean Marine Switchboards was founded in 2017 and has already made deliveries to many newbuilds, including Colour Hybrid and Acta Centaurus, that either run on renewable energy or enable renewable energy production.