Why Battery Energy Storage Systems Are Becoming a Core Cargo Category

Multipurpose (MPV) and heavy-lift carriers are preparing for a significant rise in battery energy storage system (BESS) movements from 2026 onward, driven by two major forces:
(1)new IMO regulations restricting how lithium-ion batteries can be transported, and
(2) the rapid global expansion of grid-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

Industry operators including AAL Shipping and Chipolbrok report a noticeable jump in freight forwarder enquiries for BESS shipments—particularly from China to Europe, the US, and Australia. China remains the dominant export hub for BESS manufacturing, a trend clearly reflected in MPV shipping volumes.

The Demand Drivers: Renewable Energy Buildout Accelerates

According to the report cited in the original article, grid-scale BESS installations are expanding far faster than earlier forecasts suggested.

• 156 GWh of capacity was installed globally by October 2025.
• An additional 153 GWh is expected to go live before year-end.
• 732 GWh of new BESS capacity is already announced for the coming years—a 23% jump from 2024’s pipeline.

Earlier projections by McKinsey and Rystad Energy expected 400 GWh by 2030, meaning actual installations are outperforming predictions.
This rapid scaling directly translates into heavy, oversized BESS cabinets requiring specialized ocean transport.

Regulatory Shift: Why UN 3536 Is Reshaping Cargo Flows

From 1 January 2026, Amendment 42-24 to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code comes into effect. Under this rule:

• Lithium-ion batteries installed in cargo transport units under UN 3536
• Can only be stowed on deck
• Must be protected from heat sources
• Must remain clear of crew accommodations

These limitations sharply reduce capacity on conventional container ships.

Meanwhile, BESS units are increasing in weight:

• Current units: ~42 tons each
• 2026 units forecast: 47–52 tons

Standard container terminals and spreader beams cannot lift these larger units efficiently—resulting in a structural shift toward MPV and heavy-lift vessels, which offer stronger onboard cranes, flexible deck space, and tailored stowage planning.

Operational Reality: Why MPV/Heavy-Lift Vessels Are Now Critical

AAL Shipping alone has already moved:

• ~2,500 BESS units from China to the US
• ~3,000 BESS units from China to Australia
  since 2024.

The new rules will amplify this trend.

MPV and heavy-lift assets offer critical advantages:

• Onboard cranes (up to 700+ tons capacity in some fleets)
• Custom lifting gear suited for non-standard weight distribution
• Flexible deck stowage accommodating oversized BESS enclosures
• Safer segregation from heat and crew areas
• Ability to call secondary or specialized ports closer to renewable project sites

For global forwarders—and for shippers in the renewables space—MPV becomes not a niche, but a necessity.

What This Means for Global Logistics Teams

1. Expect tight capacity from late 2025through 2027

Renewables projects, especially in Europe, the US, and Australia, will compete for MPV slots during peak project cargo seasons.

2. Early booking will become essential

Given that regulations restrict alternative vessel types, the MPV sector may face congestion and scheduling pressure.

3. China will remain the dominant origin

With most BESS manufacturers based in China, Chinese export hubs such as Taicang (pictured in the original article) will remain central to the trade.

4. Specialized handling expertise will be non-negotiable

Lithium-ion battery safety, plus the growing weight of cabinets, means shippers must rely on carriers and forwarders with strong project cargo competencies.

5. Integrated project management becomes a competitive advantage

To meet renewable project timelines, logistics partners must coordinate door-to-door operations, including:

• Factory pickup
• Port handling
• Vessel stowage compliance
• Destination-side lifting and inland transport
• Safety documentation under IMDG 42-24

Key Takeaways for Supply Chain Leaders

• Demand for MPV/heavy-lift capacity will surge due to regulatory changes and renewable energy buildout.
• Lithium-ion BESS units are heavier and riskier, requiring specialized lifting and deck stowage.
• China-centered supply flows will intensify, reinforcing Asia–Europe and Asia–North America trade lanes.
• Operators like AAL Shipping and Chipolbrok signal a booming market for 2026 onward.
• Forwarders must prepare now for equipment constraints, documentation requirements, and increased safety standards.

For logistics decision-makers planning renewable energy projects in 2026–2028, proactive vessel planning and the right project cargo partners will be critical.

Source:https://www.joc.com/article/battery-storage-cargoes-to-power-up-mpv-heavy-lift-sector-6123136