b'on more sustainable chemistries including lithium sulfurOncostandperformance,lithium-ionbatteryandper-and sodium. formance have not changed much in the past five years. However, projections are optimistic that by 2035, energy For example, U.S. manufacturer, Lyten, develops and pro- densities could reach 600800 Wh/kg, while costs may duces next-gen lithium-sulfur technologies. Lithium sulfurdecline as the use of more sustainable and plentiful materi-has a high energy density and be an important chemistry forals are substituted for rare and expensive ones, accelerating multiple transportation sectors as soon as researchers can de- adoption across sectors, including marine applications.velop technological solutions to reduce the polysulfide shut-tling effect that currently prevents lithium-sulfur chemistriesCONCLUSIONfrom having a sufficient number of use cycles and longevity. Lithium-ion battery technology is at an inflection point, balancing operational promise against safety imperatives ENVIRONMENTAL ANDand environmental responsibility. For the passenger vessel ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS industry, embracing this wave means investing in robust As lithium-ion adoption climbs, so does the responsibilitysystems, rigorous training, regulatory alignment, and stay-for lifecycle management. The surge in demand, particular- ing abreast of innovation.ly from EV and energy storage sectors, highlights stress on material supply chains and waste streams. Recycling innova- As stewards of marine safety and performance, Foghorn tions, such as advanced hydrometallurgical and direct recov- readers can lead with confidence, integrating lithium-ion ery techniques, are emerging to reduce environmental impactsystems to power efficient, clean, and resilient vessels of and reclaim critical elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. the future.About the Author GRAHAM BALCH CEO, ZEROMARGrahamBalchisaleaderinmarineelectricpro-pulsionsystemintegrationandinstallation.Balch led the company to become the first marine sector authorized dealer for the California Air Resources BoardsCOREVoucherProgram,helpedclients become the first ZEAT (Zero Emission Advanced Transportation)approvedvesselsinCalifornia, and has supported national and state zero-emission vesselpolicies.HeholdsaB.A.inEnvironmental StudiesfromMiddleburyCollegeandanMBA from Wharton. Balch doesnt just advocate marine electrification as his job; he has also sailed an electric sailboat across the Atlantic Ocean and is a believer in the experiential and environmental benefits of decar-bonizing all marine vessels worldwide. 25 SEPTEMBER 2025'