Classification society DNV GL has developed a new eco-friendly, battery-powered vessel that is faster and safer than diesel-powered ships, to revolutionise short sea shipping.

With a fully charged 3,000KW battery, the ReVolt vessel has a range of 100nm moving at an average speed of 6k. The vessel’s lower than average speed has required designers to fit a straight vertical bow in order to reduce water resistance.

DNV GL senior researcher Hans Anton Tvete said: "Building and operating this vessel would be possible with today’s technology."

"ReVolt is intended to serve as inspiration for equipment makers, shipyards and shipowners to develop new solutions on the path to a safe and sustainable future."

"ReVolt is intended to serve as inspiration for equipment makers, shipyards and shipowners to develop new solutions on the path to a safe and sustainable future."

ReVolt does not need a crew, so there is no requirement to build a superstructure for accommodation. This increases the vessel’s loading capacity while cutting down operating and maintenance costs, DNV said.



The vessel is estimated to save up to $34m during its 30-year lifetime.

Meanwhile, the classification society has collaborated with GTT and Hanjin to develop a gas-fuelled large container vessel equipped with membrane fuel tanks.

The joint development project will develop a concept for sailing long distances on LNG by using existing technologies. The project will focus on a 16,300TEU container vessel designed by Hanjin Shipyard for the concept study.

The vessel will have a dual fuel two-stroke engine and two membrane tanks with a total LNG capacity of 11,000m³, which is sufficient to cover approximately 15,000nm. The ship will travel between Asia and Europe.

Under the collaboration, Hanjin will design the key components of the LNG supply system and GTT will be responsible for the integration of the fuel containment system. DNV GL will provide the design review, hazard identification and approval of the design.

Image: DNV GL’s new concept vessel, ReVolt. Photo: courtesy of DNV GL AS.