Batteries will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the maritime industry - MBF Board Member, Karl Alexander Wirén (Kongsberg Maritime)
Will the maritime industry reach it’s decarbonization goals? How will batteries contribute to this sustainable future?
In this exclusive and intriguing interview, MBF Board Member and Vice President in Aftermarket Sales at Kongsberg Maritime, Karl Alexander Wirén details his history with maritime batteries, championing it’s cause as a board member Maritime Battery Forum and his opinions on the future of the maritime industry.
MBF - Please introduce yourself and your company
Karl Alexander Wirén - I’m Karl Alexander Wirén, Vice President in Aftermarket Sales at Kongsberg Maritime. My primary focus is on customer-driven sustainability initiatives, particularly when retrofitting or converting sailing vessels to enhance energy efficiency. At Kongsberg Maritime, we collaborate closely with our clients to advance the maritime industry’s environmental and operational efficiency.
We’re a global leader known for our customer-centric approach to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in maritime operations. As system integrators, we specialize in integrating energy solutions, including batteries, while continuously innovating alongside our clients to pave the way for a more eco-friendly maritime sector. With us, you’re not just getting solutions; you’re forging a dynamic partnership that propels you toward a maritime future that’s not only eco-friendly but exceptionally efficient.
MBF - How does your job relate to maritime batteries?
K.A.W - In my role, sustainability takes center stage. I closely collaborate with maritime operators to identify and implement sustainable solutions aligned with their operational needs. This includes the integration of environmentally friendly technologies like batteries, which reduce emissions and enhance overall efficiency.
MBF - What drew you to maritime battery technology?
K.A.W - Well, it all started with a little spark of curiosity... You see, my background in Electrical Power Engineering had me wired for action, and when I dipped my toes into the maritime world, I couldn’t help but notice the potential. My motivation to dive into maritime battery technology? It’s simple: a strong belief in environmental responsibility and a desire to ride the wave of cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations.
MBF - There are many organizations promoting decarbonization in the maritime industry, why did you choose the MBF?
K.A.W - Maritime batteries are increasingly recognized as a key component in achieving decarbonization goals within the industry. They have versatile applications, from powering propulsion systems to optimizing energy usage and supporting the adoption of alternative fuels.
By partnering with MBF, we join a community of like-minded stakeholders committed to reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint and leading the transition towards cleaner and more efficient maritime operations.
MBF - Contributing your knowledge and simply collaborating with other members was possibly sufficient. Why did you choose to become a board member?
K.A.W - Becoming a board member at the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) is an exciting opportunity. The impressive growth in battery applications within the maritime sector, especially the rapid expansion of installations, is outpacing trends in many other areas. I’m thrilled to contribute to MBF’s journey forward, especially during this period of remarkable industry growth.
Joining the board empowers me to actively shape MBF’s direction, helping guide the forum’s efforts towards a cleaner and more efficient maritime future. I’m particularly excited about our Chairwoman, who, after a year in her role, continues to bring fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership to MBF. Together with my fellow board members, we are committed to advancing maritime battery technology and sustainability practices on a global scale, and I’m thrilled to be part of this dynamic team dedicated to driving positive change within the maritime market.
“By partnering with MBF, we join a community of like-minded stakeholders committed to reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint and leading the transition towards cleaner and more efficient maritime operations. ”
MBF - Looking back at developments in battery technology over the last ten years, what for you could be considered the most significant steps in the right direction?
K.A.W - A decade ago, the maritime battery industry was almost non-existent. However, today, with around 800 vessels in operation and an additional 320 in order books, there has been remarkable progress in enhancing safety standards and advancing system integration. Power density has increased, making installations more efficient and cost-effective.
What is particularly encouraging is the growing attention from regulatory bodies, charterers, and stakeholders who recognize the importance of sustainable maritime operations. This collective effort, along with a deeper understanding by vessel owners of the potential benefits of batteries, is accelerating the adoption of maritime batteries while ensuring safety, affordability, and efficiency in this evolving industry.
MBF Board Members at Watts Up 2023
MBF - What do you think is the future of batteries in the maritime industry?
K.A.W - Batteries will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the maritime industry. They will serve as a cornerstone for achieving sustainability goals, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency. As the industry continues to embrace cleaner technologies, batteries will become a central component of hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems. They will enable vessels to operate more efficiently and with reduced environmental impact, ensuring the maritime industry is a leader in sustainable transportation.
MBF - What, in your opinion, are some of the biggest challenges to the maritime battery industry?
K.A.W - Compared to other emerging technology sectors, the maritime battery industry faces unique challenges. Often, stakeholders underestimate the need for a thorough understanding of specific ship operations, which hinders the development of affordable and sustainable solutions. For some ship operations, embracing technologies like full electric or hybrid solutions necessitates entering uncharted territory, requiring a broader understanding and adaptation beyond just handling maritime batteries.
Nevertheless, by prioritizing sustainability, making strategic investments in innovation, and fostering industry collaborations, we can collectively address these challenges and move toward a more environmentally responsible future for these specific ship operations.
MBF - What do you think can increase the adoption rate of maritime batteries?
K.A.W - Educating stakeholders, stricter regulations, and rising emission costs will drive the shift. Partnerships across the value chain, from vessel owners to system integrators and technology providers, are crucial. Together, we can understand operations, find improvements, and reduce emissions, making maritime batteries a vital part of a greener future.
MBF - Where do you see the Maritime Battery Forum in the next five years?
Amid the maritime industry’s growing dedication to sustainability, the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) emerges as a pivotal driving force. Established on April 2, 2014, our forum has evolved into a dynamic knowledge hub for industry stakeholders eager to stay informed about technological advancements and their practical implementation. It serves as a valuable platform for members to delve deeper into the technical and economic aspects of integrating battery technology into ships and offshore installations.
At MBF, we cultivate an environment of knowledge exchange, drawing upon the rich expertise accumulated from using batteries in shipping and offshore activities. Our unwavering commitment lies in championing our members, interests and ambitions as they strive to lead in their respective fields, actively contributing to a sustainable maritime industry.
The forum’s influence extends globally, with strategic hubs in the Americas and APAC regions, underlining our dedication to facilitating the worldwide transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable maritime future. With a steadfast focus on continuous learning and collaboration, MBF remains at the forefront of advancing the maritime industry’s adoption of batteries.