Batteries instead of diesel generators: the Coast Guard accelerates the energy transition of Italian ships

The energy transition in the maritime sector has entered a new phase in Italy. About a year after the first measure through which the General Command of the Port Authorities – Coast Guard, acting as the competent administration for maritime safety, authorized the use of batteries to replace traditional diesel generators aboard an Italian-flagged vessel, the assessment of the initiative is considered positive. Indeed, the experience gained has allowed field verification of the feasibility of using energy storage systems while maintaining adequate safety levels. This represents an important milestone for a nautical sector tasked with progressively reducing its fuel consumption and emissions, as well as integrating new energy technologies. The fact that a public authority has also embarked on this path signifies that it is essential for the entire maritime industry.

The Coast Guard represents the first Italian case of energy transition in the public sector

The authorization granted last year in February represents a significant precedent for the Italian-flagged fleet. The Coast Guard’s objective was two-fold: to encourage the introduction of technology with a lower environmental impact while simultaneously ensuring that the adoption of batteries would not lead to a reduction in safety standards. The principle followed was therefore one of equivalence: an innovative energy system must guarantee a safety level that is at least comparable to that provided by conventional solutions.

One year later, the experience is considered positive both from an environmental perspective and in terms of safety, paving the way for the potential application of this technology to other vessels.

A new frontier for propulsion and power generation

The use of batteries is not limited exclusively to electric propulsion. In this case, the technology is used to replace the diesel generators traditionally employed for onboard electricity generation. The potential advantage is particularly compelling during phases when a ship requires power but does not need the main engines to run. Energy storage can indeed reduce or eliminate reliance on thermal generators, with positive effects on fuel consumption, local emissions, and noise levels. For vessels operating frequently near the coast or in port areas, this type of solution can be of even greater importance.

Safety remains the top priority for the Coast Guard

However, introducing battery systems presents new technical challenges, particularly regarding fire risk management and electrical system safety. For this reason, the Italian measure was adopted under an “equivalence” regime, pursuant to the SOLAS convention and Directive 2009/45/EC. This procedure made it possible to evaluate a technology not yet governed by an international or EU regulatory framework specifically dedicated to the use of batteries in the maritime sector.

Consequently, special attention was devoted to fire prevention and the overall risk assessment associated with the energy storage system.

The role of EMSA guidelines

In the absence of harmonized international regulations, the Italian Coast Guard adopted a risk-assessment-based approach, referring to guidelines developed by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). EMSA guidelines were developed in collaboration with member states most advanced in adopting alternative energy technologies, including Italy.

This approach allows the integration of new technologies to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account vessel characteristics, plant configuration, operating modes, and safety systems.

A precedent to be replicated

The experience gained with the first authorized unit is now leading to a further step: defining more detailed technical instructions for Italian ships intending to adopt batteries, alternative fuels, and other zero-emission technologies. The Coast Guard is working to prepare these new guidelines in collaboration with Recognized Organizations and industry stakeholders, including shipyards and shipowners. The goal is to create a clearer technical framework for those looking to invest in new energy technologies.

The availability of specific guidelines could also have a significant impact on the time required for approving new projects. The lack of established procedures can indeed represent an element of uncertainty for shipyards and owners intending to develop vessels with innovative energy systems. Uniform technical guidelines, on the other hand, would make it possible to define requirements, inspections, and safety criteria in advance. The expected result is a reduction in bureaucratic uncertainties and greater predictability regarding authorization timelines, benefiting both private operators and the flag Administration.

The energy transition of maritime transport

The Italian trial is part of a broader transformation process within maritime transport. Ships represent an essential component of the global transport network and operate within a highly competitive international market. The gradual introduction of energy sources with lower environmental impacts must therefore proceed alongside the definition of operational and regulatory conditions that ensure safety and competitiveness. Batteries constitute one of the technologies available within this process, along with alternative fuels and other emission-reducing solutions.

The measure adopted for the first Italian unit is therefore not an isolated incident. The authorization is set to be extended to other ships, and the drafting of new technical instructions could make the adoption of battery systems progressively simpler. For the Italian maritime sector, this is a major step forward: having access to a more defined technical framework can foster investment and the design of new vessels, while reducing the risk associated with introducing relatively new technologies.

Conclusion

The experience gained by the Italian Coast Guard demonstrates how introducing batteries into the maritime sector can be addressed through a path based on risk assessment and safety standard equivalence. The first authorized project provided tangible experience that can now be transformed into a more structured technical framework. The future publication of dedicated guidelines for batteries, alternative fuels, and zero-emission technologies therefore represents an important step in accelerating the energy transition of the Italian fleet.

The challenge will be maintaining the necessary balance between innovation, safety, and competitiveness—a balance that, with clearer procedures and shared technical criteria, could enable the Italian shipbuilding and maritime industry to adopt the energy technologies of the future more rapidly.

Energy Transition of the Coast Guard – FAQ