Bureau Veritas calls for standardised safety regulations to accelerate adoption of electrification technology
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has called for greater clarity regarding standardised safety regulations that will advance the development of maritime electrification technologies, following the publication of a new technology report, ‘Maritime Electrification: Maritime Battery Systems and Onshore Power Supply’. The report explores how electrification technologies – specifically Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) solutions – can act as a viable solution to support maritime decarbonisation strategies.
While OPS benefits from existing international standards, battery systems remain under-regulated despite growing safety concerns. The risk of thermal runaway incidents within lithium-ion (li-ion) battery technology poses a serious challenge to crew members. Thermal runaway, a rapid, uncontrollable increase in battery temperature can lead to fires that are difficult to extinguish and poses a significant hazard to crew welfare. Despite the increasing deployment of ESS across the global fleet, current safety guidance remains fragmented and largely non-mandatory.
Classification societies, such as BV, are working to bridge the regulatory gap by establishing technical Rules – such as BV NR467 Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships which outlines technical and safety requirements for marine battery installations – to support the integration of these systems into maritime operations, as well as partnering with industry organisations such as the Maritime Battery Forum to develop voluntary safety guidance.
BV’s technology report highlights the dual opportunity presented by marine batteries and shore power systems. Battery adoption is accelerating, with over 1,000 battery-powered ships in service globally. Meanwhile, OPS systems are already supported by EU regulation, with FuelEU Maritime establishing the mandatory use of OPS systems for container and passenger ships docked at EU ports from 2030, followed by all EU ports with OPS facilities from 2035.
The launch of the technology report follows the IMO MEPC 83 outcomes, announced in April 2025, which sets ambitious emissions reduction targets through 2040. However, current projections indicate the measures may fall short of the 2030 goals, prompting renewed focus on all viable low-emission technologies. Electrification, though not directly addressed at MEPC 83, is increasingly recognised as a viable enabler of the industry’s net-zero transition. While existing policies and regulations have provided a foundation for safety and standardization, the technology report acknowledges that there is still work to be done at an international regulatory level to instill confidence in ESS and OPS. Comprehensive, enforceable international standards are needed to ensure the safe deployment of li-ion technologies at scale and pace. Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: "Electrification technology is well established in the industry. However, in order to scale effectively and safely, ESS and OPS systems must be supported by robust, standardized and mandated safety regulations. Without clear international safety standards that regulate the integration of battery systems – particularly regarding fire prevention, crew training and emergency response – owners and operators may lack the assurance needed to integrate these systems into their decarbonization strategies. The industry must work collectively to bridge the current regulatory gap in order to ensure electrification technology achieves its potential in driving shipping’s decarbonized future.”