Virtual Bunkering for Electric Vessels (VBEV) Demo

The Virtual Bunkering for Electric Vessels demonstration (VBEV) will build upon the CMDC2 feasibility study to deliver the World's first vessel-to-grid demonstration project. It will show how batteries on electric vessels can be utilised when not in use for propulsion, to deliver energy storage and flexibility services to harbours, ports and the grid. This enabling infrastructure has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions on a system and a site level, accelerating the transition to clean maritime.

Software upgrades, adoption of communication protocols and new charge controllers will be implemented into electric vessels which will enable the battery to communicate with the bi-directional charger. Combined with the development of a vessel-to-grid management platform, signals can then be sent to enable both charge and discharge of the battery at optimal times.

Energy moved bi-directionally, can then be deployed in various scenarios to meet the needs of the key stakeholders including ports, harbours, vessel operators or grid network operators. VBEV will test two key scenarios. Firstly, vessel-to-grid whereby energy is exported to the grid network to offer flexibility and balancing services. Secondly, a behind the meter solution that enables greater energy management for the site, including the integration of renewable energy and energy arbitrage. Enhanced energy management will allow sites to better adapt to increasing demands on power from electrification of vessels, potentially reduce the grid connection where capacity is limited or costly and to integrate more renewables.

Research will build on the feasibility study where the most suitable vessel archetypes for vessel-to-grid were identified, by gathering duty cycle data across a range of suitable vessel types. The project will also assess the impact upon battery health in a marine setting and possible regulatory impacts.

Through the project we will build a business model with a product offering to sites, vessel owners and operators. With the growth of electric vessels, this technology has massive scale-up potential and through a robust business model there can be benefits from improved battery health, reduced running costs and revenue generation.

The World first the project will put the UK at the forefront of vessel-to-grid technology and offer significant opportunities for UK supply chains and for export. The project will produce the first vessels capable of bi-directional power transfer, set a standard for other vessel manufacturers, develop a vessel-to-grid management platform, provide world leading research and development of a commercial product for customers.