Rapid battery cost declines accelerate the prospects of all-electric interregional container shipping

Abstract International maritime shipping—powered by heavy fuel oil—is a major contributor to global CO 2 , SO 2, and NO x emissions. The direct electrification of vessels has been underexplored as low-emission option despite its considerable efficiency advantage over electrofuels. Past studies on ship have relied outdated assumptions battery cost, energy density values available on-board space. We show that at prices US$100 kWh −1 the intraregional trade routes less than 1,500 km is economical, with minimal impact carrying capacity. Including environmental costs increases economical range 5,000 km. If batteries achieve US$50 price point, nearly doubles. describe pathway for containerships within this decade electrifies 40% containership traffic, reduces emissions 14% US-based vessels, mitigates health impacts air pollution coastal communities.