Corvus Energy’s marine energy storage system wins ClassNK’s nod

Norway-based energy storage company Corvus Energy has received type approval from Japanese classification society ClassNK for a marine energy storage system (ESS), Orca ESS.

As informed, this is the first-ever marine battery to get this type approval since the ClassNK rules for marine energy storage systems came into effect in January 2023.

“The pace of social change is accelerating, necessitating an increased effort to move forward with frontrunners to tackle these challenges. Issuing a type approval for ORCA Energy, which has significant accomplishments in this area, is expected to serve as a major milestone for increasing vessels equipped with lithium-ion storage systems,” said Masaki Matsunaga, Executive Vice President / Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division, ClassNK.

“ClassNK will continue ensuring these technologies meet standards, supporting the maritime industry’s uptake of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.”

“As ClassNK registers approx. 20% of the world merchant fleet in terms of gross tonnage, it’s important for Corvus Energy to ensure easy implementation of our products on board vessels classed by ClassNK,” stated Kolbjørn Berge, SVP Global Regulatory

According to Corvus Energy, more than 600 vessels and port applications have an Orca system installed worldwide. The Orca ESS system is suitable for a variety of marine applications and vessel types. 

The company has for long had a clear strategy to expand in the Japanese market and has established long-term collaboration and partnerships with Japanese corporations.

In 2021, Corvus Energy announced the founding of Sumisho Corvus Energy, a 50/50 joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation in order to be ready for the growing electrification of vessels in Japan and southeast Asia.

Corvus batteries are running onboard the harbor tugboat Taiga, an eco-friendly tug operating in the ports of Yokohama, and the world’s first zero-emission tanker vessels Asahi and Akari operating in Tokyo Bay.

The same year, the firm also revealed its partnership with Toyota Motor to develop marine fuel cells based on Toyota fuel cell technology.

Earlier on, Corvus Energy received type approval from compatriot classification society DNV for the cyber security notation on the control and monitoring system of the Orca ESS.