08NOV2019 - NEWS - Maersk pilots battery power system in carbon neutrality push

Maersk will pilot a containerized battery power system this year, the company announced Wednesday. According to a press release, Maersk executives hope a successful trial will further the company's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon operations by 2050.

The 600 kwh battery system will be installed aboard the Maersk Cape Town in December, which will embark on a trial voyage along its route from West Africa to East Asia next year.

The pilot "will show the potential of battery technologies to keep improving the performance of our vessels while also reducing fuel consumption in our non-propulsion electrical systems," Ole Graa, head of fleet technology at Maersk, said in the release. While battery-only propulsion systems are not yet commercially viable, the company noted it is interested in working with suppliers to leverage the technology as it matures.