Assessment of Electric-ship Crashworthiness and Environmental Impacts of Damaged Batteries

Research Project, 2026 – 2027

The transition to electric propulsion in maritime transport supports global decarbonization goals but introduces new safety and environmental risks. In accident scenarios such as collisions or groundings, damage to battery compartments may lead to battery rupture, sinking, and the eventual release of hazardous substances into the marine environment due to casing failure and corrosion.

While research on electric ships has largely focused on fire safety and life-cycle performance, the combined challenges of structural crashworthiness, battery damage, and post-accident environmental impacts remain insufficiently explored.

This project addresses this critical knowledge gap by integrating expertise in structural integrity, battery safety, and environmental protection. The results will contribute to safer ship design, improved emergency response strategies, and more robust regulatory frameworks for maritime electrification.