The new role expands Foreship’s energy-saving consulting services at a time when the cruise industry is considering the best way of harnessing fast-emerging hybrid, battery and fuel cell technologies.
Based in Helsinki, Räsänen will focus on helping owners implement energy-saving measures already developed by Foreship. He will also offer expertise on the application of digitalization, hybrid, battery and fuel cell technologies in shipping, for which he is widely known in the maritime sector, drawing on a career in energy efficiency and retrofits.
In a 20-year period with ABB that included extensive managerial experience in both newbuilding and retrofits, Räsänen latterly became head of new technologies for the group’s marine business.
He played a leading role in advancing energy management and decision support through software and the adoption of battery technologies on working vessels, with landmark projects including the retrofit of the complete power and propulsion systems for two of the world´s largest emission-free electric ferries.
'This is a critical moment for shipping, given the range of technologies and many combinations available, and different views on whether battery technology is best installed at newbuild stage or during a retrofit,' says Räsänen.
'I am convinced that one of the main cruise ship players will make a commitment to battery power before the end of this year, and Foreship’s goal is to consider the complete picture and design the best-performing ship. Technical objectivity is best achieved at this early stage, before suppliers become involved,' he remarked.
[Hurtigruten is building the first expedition cruiseship powered by hybrid battery technology, developed by Rolls-Royce with the Bellona Foundation, at Kleven Yards for delivery in 2018].
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