You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World Low Energy Density of Batteries Limits Use on Oceangoing Ships: ICS Low Energy Density of Batteries Limits Use on Oceangoing Ships: ICS by Ship & Bunker News Team Tuesday September 29, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker ICS says batteries will need to work in hybrid systems. File Image / Pixabay The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) says batteries are unlikely to replace conventional fuels as the main propulsion source for large oceangoing vessels because of their low energy density. Batteries are already being used as primary propulsion on some ferries, tugboats and short-sea vessels, where ships can recharge frequently and operate on relatively short routes, it said in a statement on its website yesterday. However, the technology faces a much bigger challenge in deep-sea shipping, where vessels need to carry enough energy to operate continuously for days or weeks. Battery energy density remains far below that of marine fuels, meaning a large battery installation would add significant weight and take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for cargo. “Battery energy density remains far too low for primary propulsion on large deep-sea vessels,” Andrea d’Ambra , ship design manager for Grimaldi Group , explained.  “ The challenge becomes even greater for voyages lasting several days or weeks “Providing sufficient energy for even one or two days of navigation would require such a large number of batteries that a significant proportion of the vessel’s cargo capacity would be lost.” “The challenge becomes even greater for voyages lasting several days or weeks.” Torsten Büssow , Director of Electrical & Power Sys