The development of electrification and battery technologies is driving new efficiencies for the maritime industry, especially for short-range vessels like tugs and ferries.

In this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Olli Tuunainen, Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore, and YunTao Chen, head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the benefits, safety considerations and future of maritime electrification.

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Key Points

• Challenges in electrification include technology limitations, awareness among stakeholders, and the need for a stable energy supply.
• Safety concerns regarding battery technology and the transition from AC to DC power systems are critical for the industry.
• Current trends include the growth of hybrid applications, retrofitting existing vessels, and the development of charging infrastructure.
• Collaboration between maritime and land-based energy sectors is essential for successful electrification.
• Regulatory frameworks must evolve to support the safe implementation of electrification technologies.

Guests

Olli Tuunainen is a Local Business Line Manager for ABB’s Marine and Ports Division in Singapore. He has close to 20 years of experience in electrical systems and project operations for various industries and countries, always within ABB. Olli holds a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland. ABB Marine and Ports is committed to sustainable maritime future and prepares both vessels and ports to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Dr. YunTao Chen is the head of the ABS Global Electrification Center in Singapore. He has a background in Aerospace Engineering with a Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan. He started his career in the energy sector, held several positions in the US and Germany at Siemens Energy. Prior to joining ABS, he was leading the R&D team for sustainable solutions (such as battery energy storage systems and fuel cells) at Rolls-Royce in China. At ABS, Dr. Chen is leading the Global Electrification Center in Singapore to promote marine electrification in the Asia Pacific region and across the globe.