Guidance on the Safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Rapid technological development requires the implementation of technologies being made in a safe and uniform way across the sector based on well understood, simple and solid safety guidance. Currently, there is no regulatory instrument at international level on the safety aspects of using batteries in ships. This important scope has been left to, and evolved through, the requirements of class, industry standards, and codes, with limited requirements and experience from the side of flag states.

EMSA, with the support of the European Commission, the Member States and industry, has drawn up a non-mandatory Guidance to guide national administrations and industry, and which aims for a uniform implementation of the essential safety requirements for battery energy storage systems on board of ships.

The development of the Guidance was supported by an extensive Group of Experts, who brought essential knowledge on the requirements of classification societies, industry standards and available research.