MARITIME ELECTRIFICATION Home Whitepaper MARITIME ELECTRIFICATION REPORT Maritime battery systems and onshore power supply Apr. 9 2026 LinkedIn Twitter Facebook share Advancing maritime decarbonizationShipowners and operators seeking to decarbonize their fleets have an effective tool at their disposal: electrification. Batteries and onshore power supply are two electrification options helping reduce emissions and pollution for fleets racing to meet sustainability goals.Skip to download Key Figures Full battery propulsion 252In-service vessels Full battery propulsion 59Vessels in the orderbook Hybrid propulsion 1,105In-service vessels Hybrid propulsion 453Vessels in the orderbook Onshore power supply 20 MVAPower demand for a >300-meter cruise ship at berth Onshore power supply 50+Ports around the world support onshore power supply Powering ships with batteriesHigh energy density and a long lifespan make lithium-ion (Li-on) batteries the maritime industry’s battery of choice. A growing number of ships are using batteries on board, either as part of hybrid configurations or as a sole means of propulsion.Ships powered by batteries benefit from greater energy efficiency, improved response times and lower noise and vibrations. Using batteries also cuts tank-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Taking advantage of onshore power supplyFor ships at port, connecting to onshore power is another path to reducing emissions. This is especially true for large ships that cannot be fully electrified while at sea. When at berth, a ship using onshore power can cut its engines, eliminating CO2 emissions, as well as sulfur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter. This helps reduce local air pollution, directly improving air quality in ports and nearby communities.Electricity supplied to the vessel usually comes from the grid, and occasionally off-grid sources such as port generators or renewable energy plants. Image Ulrik Dan Frørup Chief Commercial Director Bureau Veritas M&O Maritime electrification offers a clear advantage for shipowners and operators: it helps lower emissions, reduce noise and boost energy efficiency Managing battery risksProper management of Li-ion batteries is critical, as their use comports significant risks including thermal runaway, fires and explosions. The severity of these risks varies depending on the battery system’s specific characteristics, capacity, operational role and degree of resistance to wear, stress, and abuse (“ruggedization”). Successfully integrating battery systems onboard ships requires careful planning. Depending on the vessel, considerations can include: • Type and size of the battery system • Inclusion of reliable safety measures • Procedures to ensure the battery system can withstand the harsh marine environment Assessing the future outlook for electrificationAs the industry continues to invest in maritime electrification, governments worldwide are issuing policies that favor these technologies. Shipowners and ports must quickly learn how to navigate new regulations and how to standardize their equipment and practices to ensure safety, compatibility and interoperability. Collaboration among maritime industry stakeholders is key to meeting this challenge. Shipowners, crews, shipyards and their personnel need to work with technology providers, equipment vendors, investors and regulators to ensure the uptake of electrification solutions. Bureau Veritas Rules As a leading classifi