Lithium-Ion Battery Type Approval Process
Why Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most critical technologies supporting the transformation of the propulsion power required for ships in line with the emission targets set by the IMO for the maritime industry. Due to their advantages, such as energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and renewable energy integration, they stand out as a key solution partner in achieving sustainable maritime goals.
Lithium-Ion Batteries and Energy Efficiency in Ships
Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in improving energy efficiency in ships. Compared to traditional fuel-consuming systems, the advantages of lithium-ion batteries include:
- High Energy Density: Their more compact structure occupies less space, allowing for increased cargo or passenger capacity on ships.
- Fast Charging Capability: These batteries, thanks to technological advancements, continuously reduce the charging time required at ports, thereby improving operational efficiency.
- Energy Storage and Usage Optimization: They store energy obtained from renewable sources (e.g., solar or wind), minimizing fossil fuel consumption.
Additionally, compared to conventional diesel engines, ships propelled by electric motors have significantly lower maintenance and upkeep costs.
The Impact of Lithium-Ion Battery Usage on Decarbonization in the Maritime Industry
The use of lithium-ion batteries in maritime applications enhances energy efficiency while directly contributing to reducing carbon emissions. It also offers additional benefits, such as reducing fossil fuel consumption in hybrid ships. Moreover, these batteries play a key role in achieving zero-emission targets by enabling hybrid and fully electric ship concepts.
Turk Loydu's Lithium-Ion Marine-Type Battery Approval Process
As Turk Loydu, our contribution to this transformation is to provide certified batteries by rigorously implementing international and national technical standards and tests required by the industry. We continue to lead a new era in maritime through both sustainability strategies and advanced technologies.
As a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), Turk Loydu meticulously applies the requirements of the IACS QSCS quality system, relevant rules, and procedures in the type approval processes for lithium-ion battery systems.
Marine Type Approval: Step-by-Step Procedures
In the marine type approval of lithium-ion batteries, Turk Loydu follows international standards and additional rules for the certification, installation, and testing of lithium-ion batteries through the following steps:
Plan Approval
The technical documentation of the battery system is reviewed through the Turk Loydu Electronic Plan Approval System. This stage includes:
- Definition of the electrical system and its working principles, ○ Control mechanisms and risk analysis reports,
- System block diagrams,
- Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures.
This documentation is approved for compliance with Turk Loydu’s Additional Rules for the Certification, Installation, and Testing of Lithium-Ion Batteries.
On-Site Inspections and Tests:
Test reports are reviewed, and necessary tests are conducted under the supervision of Turk Loydu surveyors. This includes:
- Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT),
- Functionality tests and protection alarm systems,
- Insulation and durability tests.
After the successful completion of the plan approval and subsequent tests, lithium-ion batteries receive Turk Loydu certification for marine-type use.
Lithium-Ion Battery System (Electric) or Hybrid Technology for Turkiye-Flagged Ships
According to the directive titled “Additional Safety Requirements for Turkish-Flagged Ships Equipped with Lithium-Ion Battery Systems (Electric) or Hybrid Technology”, published by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on February 3, 2021 (Official Order No. 6568), it is mandated that ships equipped with lithium-ion battery systems must be classified.
Additionally, it is stated that "the rules of authorized classification societies for electrical energy storage systems shall be applied, provided that they meet the minimum requirements set by this Directive, and the classification society shall certify the system."
With this provision, all vessels with battery systems exceeding 20 kWh must be classified.
