b'FOGHORN FOCUSThe battery system configuration of a hybrid vessel constructed at Derecktor Shipyards. Details such as hull design may influence which type of propulsion system will be the best choice for a new build. replacing parts. Wille has also noticed continued improve- bleshootproblemswithtraditionaldieselenginesbased ment in battery technology with smaller or lighter packssolely on their experience. That may not be the case when which will be key for operations such as fast ferries. dealing with power electronics, and training on the new system may help avoid additional costs when issues arise. The nature of some elements of a hybrid or electric system is that they may not be made up of small parts that canOrvieto also pointed to both the knowledge gap and supply be easily swapped out. Instead, even if parts are modular,chain needs as the industry transitions to alternative pro-Derecktorexplainedthatthehardwaresetupwithinapulsion systems. The more operators that can align on the module and the firmware and software set up for a specificgeneral direction, the better it is for the entire segment, as operator may be unique. The modules may also be hermet- we can start to build the sort of critical mass of knowledge ically sealed, so if a component fails, the replacement partand supply chain capabilities required to get costs down you need to have on hand is not an item like an O ring orand implementation upfuel filter, but an entire module. This can be costly, but having a backup at the ready may make the difference inGains are constantly being made by alternative propulsion getting a vessel back in service quickly. Its a bit of a balanc- technology manufacturers as interest from operators grows. ing act. Standardized parts can offer ease, cost savings, andWille pointed out that there has been a consolidation in speed in terms of repairs, but uniformity loses the efficien- the battery market, but that companies are becoming more cy of a system tailored to a vessels operational profile.well-established, with some making bigger, long-term in-vestments into technology like battery propulsion. He also PHOTO: DERECKTOR SHIPYARDSOperators may also consider investing in additional train- noted a trend of the availability for batteries being driven by ing for crew when transitioning to an alternative propul- on-road use and then applied to the maritime environment. sion system as there may be a knowledge gap in terms of maintenanceforthesetechnologies.EngineersorcrewThere is work to be done to expose more people to the tech-members with decades of experience may be able to trou- nology and systems already available. Orvieto noted that FOGHORN 14'