Top News

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• Ganfeng Lithium Expands Globally with $500M JV in Turkey: Ganfeng Lithium has partnered with Turkish firm Yigit Aku to create a $500 million joint venture aimed at building a lithium battery facility with a 5 gigawatt-hour annual capacity in Turkey. This venture will focus on advancing technologies like solid-state, marine, and aerospace batteries. Ganfeng seeks to diversify production amid global trade challenges.

• London's Hybrid Ferries Set Sail Together: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has launched its third hybrid ferry, Mars Clipper, joining Earth Clipper and Celestial Clipper. These vessels achieve a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions in Central London by operating on electric power, with a 16.5% overall emissions cut compared to biofuel alone. A fully electric Zero Emission Cross River Ferry is set to launch by 2025.

• Plug Powers Five Cruise Ships in a Green Milestone: On August 14, 2024, maritime charging company Plug achieved a breakthrough by connecting five cruise vessels to shore power simultaneously in the Norwegian ports of Bergen and Aalesund. The ships consumed 160 MWh of clean energy, preventing around 128 tons of CO2 emissions. Plug's facilities have a combined capacity of 80 MVA, and the company expects to deliver over 25 million kWh of clean energy in 2024.

• Washington Ports Secure $26.5 Million for Electrification Projects: The Washington State Department of Transportation awarded $26.5 million to 11 state ports for electrification efforts aimed at cutting 140,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. The grants support shore power installations and electric vehicle infrastructure under the state's Port Electrification Grant Program, created in 2023 as part of Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. This initiative addresses pollution from the transportation sector, the state's largest contributor to emissions.

The expert opinion

• Is the tide turning towards battery-powered ships? The shipping industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards battery-powered vessels, with ferries leading the charge. New battery technologies, like organic flow batteries, offer greener alternatives with lower fire risks and rapid recharge capabilities. As electric ferries become more common, the next frontier lies in electrifying massive cargo ships on long-haul routes. Will the industry sail smoothly into a fully electric future? Read on to find out!