Prepare for electrification: online conference takes place tomorrow

As battery technology, shore power and electric workboats become increasingly common across the maritime sector, ports and harbour operators face important questions about infrastructure, safety, operational readiness and risk management.

Register for our free to attend, expert led online conference, being held Wednesday 30 September, exploring what ports need to consider as vessel electrification gathers pace. Bringing together technical expertise, strategic insight and practical port experience, the discussion will examine the opportunities and challenges involved in supporting an increasing number of electrified vessels at the berth.

The session will be moderated by Debbie Mason, Head of Content for Seawork and Maritime Journal, and will feature a panel of experienced speakers from across the industry.

Chris Kruger, Founder of AYK Energy, will share his extensive technical and practical knowledge of marine battery development. An electrical engineer, Chris helped develop the first traction battery for the Fisker Karma hybrid vehicle before leading development of the industry’s first type-approved marine propulsion battery at Corvus. He was also involved in installing the first hybrid and fully electric ferry batteries in 2012. With AYK Energy focused on cost, quality and safety, Chris will outline the key considerations ports should understand as battery-powered vessels become more prevalent.

Mike Schwarz, CEO of the International Institute of Marine Surveying, will provide a strategic perspective on the standards, competence and oversight needed to support the transition. Having led IIMS for more than a decade, Mike has a strong understanding of the role professional standards, robust procedures and effective risk management will play as electrification develops. His work chairing the MCA’s Certifying Authority Professional Standards Working Group, alongside his role on the Maritime Professional Council, provides valuable insight into the governance and assurance challenges facing the sector.

The panel will also hear from Brian Rousell, Environment and Engineering Director at Shoreham Port. With broad experience across coastal, maritime, road and rail construction, Brian will offer a practical view of delivering infrastructure projects within a live port environment. He will share Shoreham Port’s experience of recent shore power projects, as well as its work with Electra, an electric workboat, offering useful lessons for operators assessing how to prepare their own facilities for electrified vessel calls.

Whether you’re planning new infrastructure, assessing energy and fuel options, or working out where to invest next, this webinar will give marine operators practical insight to help make those decisions with confidence.
Register now to secure your place and join the discussion. Register for the webinar