EUROPE REPORT
Amsterdam–The Tenth Annual Electric and Hybrid Marine Exhibition in Amsterdam’s RAI June 18-20 attracted more than 200 exhibitors and provided an opportunity for shipowners and operators to review the latest solutions to speed marine electrification, decarbonization, hybridization.
Reaching the objective to reduce greenhouse gas by 70% in maritime industry by 2050 looks realistic but the new technologies developers, equipment manufacturers and end users need more clarity and support from the regulatory and governmental bodies to accelerate the process. Creation of reliable and safe storage and fueling infrastructure will ensure the shipbuilders and ship owners trust the transition.
The three-day event presented the latest innovations and achievements in efficient decarbonization of the maritime industry. New technologies from companies in Europe, North America, China and other regions designed to support and accelerate the transition from high polluting fossil combustion to zero emission solutions in maritime industry were exhibited at the event. The exhibition was visited by thousands of industry professionals.
Full electric systems were incorporated in small soft waters ferries, taxis and day boats, but the challenge is the integration into other applications and long-distance shipping. Electric foiling boats are showing good results in silent, clean and fast boating. The first European electro-hydrogen catamaran will be launched soon and is developed in a partnership between Seco Marine and Green Navy.
The next edition of the Electric and Hybrid Marine exhibition will be held in Long Beach, CA, April 8-10, 2025.
Educational conferences were devoted to the challenges and responsibilities of equipment manufacturers and ship constructors, battery safety, development in hydro foiling propulsion, alternative fuels and energy sources, fueling and charging infrastructure.
A significative number of innovative products and systems already in use were presented at the exhibition, including batteries, battery energy systems, electric motors, hybrid engines and propulsion systems, hydrogen fuel cells, management and controlling systems, alternators, generators and others.
Many projects are in different stages of development or in a testing phase. The equipment manufacturers, project developers and systems integrators, ship builders and others are jointly looking for the most effective and the safest solutions while keeping an eye on the cost side of the projects. There seemed to be a number of investors at the event looking for business opportunities.
Although hydrogen fuel cells are gaining ground as the most adequate solution for long distance shipping and passenger transportation, hydrogen production, storage and filling are still subjects of a deep reflection. The battery industry is continuously looking for the best formula chemistry, higher density and safety and lower pricing. PSR
Natasa Mulahalilovic is Marine Market Specialist–Europe for Power Systems Research
