Saft batteries to power polar research ship

Apr 10, 2017 by Triton Staff

Seanergy, a marine battery system from France-based Saft, will help power the UK’s largest polar research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough, when the 128m ship enters service in 2019. The ship will carry out scientific work in the Antarctic and the Arctic, as well as transport supplies to Antarctic research stations.

Its Rolls-Royce diesel electric propulsion system will be powered by new Bergen B33:45 engines that will operate in combination with two Saft lithium-ion batteries. Fully integrated into the vessel’s control and automation system, the batteries will provide a combined 1450 kwh capacity with a maximum voltage of 1011. In addition to delivering peak power required during dynamic positioning operations, the batteries will enable the vessel to be self-sufficient in fuel during voyages of up to 19,000nm and will help push the vessel through ice up to 1m thick.

Saft’s patent-pending Li-ion Super-Phosphate (SLFP) high-power cells have Bureau Veritas, Lloyds Register and DNV GL certification. As a Li-ion technology, SLFP has the advantages of high efficiency, long calendar and cycling life, fast-charge capability and high power output. It is also modular, meaning that a battery system can be tailored to closely match the customer’s power and voltage requirements.

For more information, visit www.saftbatteries.com.

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