Classification society DNV has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with PowerX, a Japanese-led decarbonistation project planning to build a ship to transfer wind-farm energy to shore in batteries.
Under the agreement, DNV will provide a technical assessment of the power transfer vessel, which is known as Power ARK, and its battery system.
DNV will also look into developing a class notation that will allow the ship to trade globally.
As the project represents a completely new ship design and concept, DNV will advise on areas where there is no existing statutory safety regulation.
Arnstein Eknes, segment director for special ships at DNV Maritime, said: "Society demands innovative solutions to unlock a future that is smarter, safer and greener, and the Power ARK project from PowerX is exactly the kind of transformational thinking we need."
PowerX is working with Imabari Shipbuilding to build the prototype vessel, which it hopes to deliver in 2025.
The prototype Power Ark will have the capacity to transfer 220MWh, enough to power 209,000 Japanese households. Imabari is investing ¥1bn ($8.8m) in the PowerX project.
Vanguard of change
The idea is that energy will be transported in modular battery form that can be easily put into place for land applications such as charging electric cars.
"With this LOI, DNV is not only demonstrating its interest in this concept, but also our determination to be at the vanguard of change — supporting industry frontrunners, building understanding, and actively working to accelerate the energy transition. We’re excited to be on board," Eknes said.
