Classification Society ClassNK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PowerX for a collaboration on the development of a Power Transfer Vessel’ known as Power ARK.
PowerX is developing the first model of the Power ARK series, Power ARK 100, a 100TEU container ship specially designed for transferring renewable energy in Japanʼs coastal waters. Power ARK 100 will carry 100 grid batteries, giving a total capacity of 200MWh. The vessel will transfer renewable energy generated in Japanʼs coastal waters. The MoU concerns the design and development stage, working towards a demonstration experiment and full-scale operation in 2025.
Under the MoU, ClassNK collaborates on the project through the provision of expertise in design of hull structure and installation, safety management systems, and software. Together PowerX and ClassNK will cooperate with the aim of encouraging innovation in the maritime industry as well as accelerating decarbonisation.
PowerX was founded with a vision to change how the world consumes and transfers renewable energy by providing a unique solution that can lift the restriction on power generation location, which will allow a greater flexibility for offshore wind farm locations, especially for an island country like Japan. PowerX will design and build the automated Power Transfer Vessel with a large battery payload that is integrated with the shipʼs controls to transport offshore wind power to shore. An undersea power cable typically requires expensive construction that comes with substantial environmental impacts. Comparatively, the Power Transfer Vessel is resilient to natural disasters, requires less time and cost for development, leaves minimal impact on the environment, and therefore is able to expand the potential of offshore wind power significantly.
PowerX and ClassNK have agreed to collaborate on investigation of:
- Evaluating the Power Ark concept and relevant standards
- Defining relevant standards for safety verification and certifications
- Defining the validation methodology for Power Ark’s battery system
- Assessing the Power Ark’s system design and battery safety
- Assessing the overall safety of the Power Ark
PowerX CEO Masahiro Ito said: “PowerX is now moving full steam ahead with the Power Transfer Vessel project with the goal of delivering the first ship by 2025. We are thrilled and honoured for the opportunity to work on this project with ClassNK, a leading international classification society. As the world strides towards decarbonisation, PowerX will continue to refine the Power Transfer Vessel, and eventually achieve its full-scale operation in Japan and overseas.“
ClassNK Corporate Officer and Director of Plan Approval and Technical Solution Division Hayato Suga said: “As a third-party certification society, ClassNK has been engaged in the evaluation and verification of the safety of new technologies amid various initiatives for decarbonisation. We are honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with PowerX on their innovative project through our expertise. Towards the goal of completing the first Power Ark by the end of 2025, ClassNK will strive to contribute to ensure safe and smooth development and execution of the project.”
