Syb ten Cate
Hoedemaker.
After completing his MSc Marine Engineering at the Delft University of Technology, Syb joined the R&D department at Damen Shipyards where he performed research on the aging of batteries in electric vessels, developed a battery sizing and selecting method and worked on the design of many different types of battery powered vessels.
In 2021 he joined the Maritime Battery Forum as managing director, accelerating the adoption of batteries in the maritime industry and supporting the sector with all battery related challenges.
Powering the Maritime Energy Transition: Batteries at the Heart of Integrated Port Energy Systems
As ports evolve into integrated energy hubs, batteries are becoming a critical component in enabling the next generation of maritime infrastructure. Beyond supporting vessel electrification, battery energy storage systems play a central role in balancing grid demand, integrating renewable energy, improving energy resilience and enabling the efficient deployment of shore power and future alternative fuels. This keynote will explore how battery technologies are transforming the way ports generate, store, manage and distribute energy. It will examine the strategic role of energy storage in supporting integrated port energy systems, reducing pressure on electrical grids, increasing operational flexibility and accelerating the transition towards resilient, low-emission maritime operations. Drawing on international experience and the latest industry developments, the session will provide delegates with a forward-looking perspective on how batteries are becoming the cornerstone of sustainable port ecosystems, supporting not only today's electrification projects but also the future integration of hydrogen, smart grids, digital energy management and emerging maritime energy solutions. As the opening keynote of Day 2, this session will establish the strategic context for the discussions that follow, demonstrating why battery technologies are fundamental to building the integrated, resilient and future-ready ports of tomorrow.
