A new era in submarine construction: the lithium-ion battery

A new era in submarine construction: the lithium-ion battery

For years, experts have been working on a new generation of battery systems for submarines: lithium-ion batteries (LIB). What started in 2015 with an ambitious research project by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to develop its own lithium-ion battery system culminated in a groundbreaking success in July 2024: the signing of the first contract between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the German Navy to supply a partial LIB battery for a submarine.

The successful completion of the research project in September 2023 confirmed the low-risk and high-performance integrability of the technology. Parallel to the development work, close cooperation with the BAAINBw and the Navy paved the way for this breakthrough.

A milestone for the maritime future

Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the most modern and efficient way of storing energy. Compared to conventional battery technologies, they offer significant advantages – in the area of submarine batteries, for example, considerable increases in performance and operational improvements to the boat. LIBs are therefore superior to the lead-acid batteries used to date in many respects.

Thanks to lithium-ion technology, submarines will be able to use a significantly higher battery capacity. The systems are virtually maintenance-free and have twice the service life of conventional lead-acid batteries. In addition, the LIB systems offer a significantly higher overall availability of the submarine, greater ranges at maximum speed, a significantly reduced snorkeling rate and thus a significant improvement in the tactical and operational range of use.

The partial battery is now to be installed in an existing German Navy HDW Type 212A boat to demonstrate the technological and performance benefits. After all, before lithium-ion technology can start its dive in the world's oceans, it has to be put to the test in practice.

First integration into a Type 212A submarine

This first integration, planned for early 2028, will primarily serve to demonstrate the technological advantages and performance of the LIB system under real operating conditions. “thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is now entering the market with a key technology – namely the most efficient way to store energy. We are thus taking on a pioneering role among the shipyards in Europe and, at the same time, equipping our submarines with multiple operational advantages,” reports Dr. Dirk Steinbrink, COO thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

The successful integration is also the decisive step towards obtaining the Parent Navy Approval” – an important validation by the German Navy. This seal of approval confirms that the technology is ready for use and paves the way for integration into future generations of submarines. In addition, the “Parent Navy Approval” serves as a strong argument against other navies and minimizes the risk for follow-up projects thanks to the proven initial integration and testing in real operations. The sales phase for this pioneering technology is already in full swing.

Put to the test in practice

The use of lithium-ion batteries in submarines is not only a revolution for the entire industry, but also a milestone for thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The implementation of this pioneering project, which is now beginning, underlines the company's pioneering technological role and heralds a new era in submarine construction. The in-house development of this groundbreaking technology is proof of the innovative strength of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

Further insights into our technologies and the work of our employees at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems can be found in our stories.