Drydocks World (a DP World company) has launched a new scheme to retrofit hybrid-battery packages for small vessels, helping to reduce carbon emissions from the marine services sector.
Working with technology partners and a specialist engineering team, Drydocks World is currently retrofitting one of its harbour tugs with a new generation of battery technology, giving it enhanced capacity. Once complete, Drydocks World will explore opportunities to retrofit external client vessels, such as yachts and leisure craft, leveraging its shipbuilding and fabrication infrastructure at Mina Rashid in Dubai.
Once modified, these smaller craft will help reduce fuel costs and operating expenses while increasing vessel reliability. When coupled with renewable energy from shore power, this can help to reduce emissions even further. Battery retrofit modification has been traditionally limited to larger vessels, so Drydocks World’s small new vessel-focused scheme is a breakthrough for the maritime industry.
As part of its Greenhouse Gas Strategy, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced its 2023 regulations to reduce carbon emissions from international shipping by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels for commercial and non-commercial vessels. Drydocks World’s new retrofit hybrid battery scheme is essential in supporting the IMO’s regulations and will eventually support a growing global market for retrofitting services.
Drydocks World’s CEO, Capt. Rado Antolovic, PhD, said: “Drydocks World understands the importance of reducing vessel emissions in line with the IMO. The marginal gains from retrofitting battery packages on smaller maritime vessels are essential to decarbonising the marine industry globally. Our hybrid-battery retrofit scheme directly cuts emissions, especially for maintenance vessels performing short daily routes.”
This latest initiative is part of Drydocks World’s ongoing commitment to sustainable maritime operations. Earlier this year, DEWA issued more than 200,000 International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) to DP World, including substantial energy use at Drydocks World’s operations in Dubai. I-RECS guarantee that the electricity consumed is generated from renewable sources.
Additionally, Drydocks World is exploring alternative fuels for vessel operation. It has been instrumental in building high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) platforms for renewable wind energy companies worldwide, creating a crucial link between offshore platforms and land-based end-users. This work extends to maintaining offshore wind renewable platforms, emphasising Drydocks World’s role in fostering sustainable energy sources.