Williams Launches First Marine Battery System

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Williams Grand Prix Technologies has entered the marine sector with the launch of the ES10M battery system. This is the company's first marine product, designed for superyachts, support and expedition vessels, hybrid propulsion applications, and retrofit projects.

Headquartered in Grove, Oxfordshire, adjacent to the Atlassian Williams F1 team, Williams Grand Prix Technologies is dedicated to applying innovations and simulation technologies from F1 motorsport to sectors such as defense, energy, and transportation, and now expanding into the marine industry.

Selin Tur, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer, said: "As superyacht builders and refit specialists seek to improve energy efficiency and adopt alternative propulsion technologies, now is the ideal time to bring our deep battery system expertise from the Atlassian Williams F1 team into the marine sector. F1 is an environment where complex performance challenges are solved under immense pressure. The same engineering principles, specifications, and standards are directly applicable to the evolving needs of the superyacht industry."

The ES10M is a scalable battery system suitable for a variety of marine applications. It employs machine learning-based predictive control to meet complex operating conditions and classification society safety requirements.

Its modular architecture and wide operating voltage range allow it to be configured for different vessel types and layouts. Designed specifically for hybrid-electric propulsion in superyachts, its power density supports extended range. It can also be retrofitted in conversion projects, increasing energy capacity within the same installation volume and providing battery power for hotel loads during prolonged anchoring.

The battery system can be configured for yachts over 100 meters in length overall (LOA) through multiple installations in dedicated battery rooms. A more compact single-rack installation is suitable for yachts over 50 meters LOA, enabling the system to fit into smaller engineering spaces.

The ES10M is also designed for support and expedition vessels operating in demanding conditions or on long voyages. The company states that the system is scalable for full electric propulsion of tenders, chase boats, and support boats.

In terms of performance, the ES10M offers a gravimetric energy density of 200 Wh/kg and a volumetric energy density of 325 Wh/l at the module level. Each module stores 9.8 kWh of energy at 50.4V and weighs 48.8 kg. System configurations range from 39 kWh to 4.2 MWh, with operating voltages between 201.6V and 907.2V. The battery design withstands operating conditions such as heat, vibration, and foreign object intrusion.

Williams Grand Prix Technologies states that the ES10M employs a "layered" safety architecture. Heat-resistant materials and selected cell types are designed to limit propagation between cells, while an integrated gas management system is designed for controlled venting under abnormal conditions.

The battery management system uses physics-informed machine learning to continuously monitor cell and module performance, and supports remote monitoring and diagnostics. A supervisory controller can isolate individual battery strings. According to the company, the system can predict load behavior and identify potential faults before they occur, aiming to extend battery life.

The ES10M has an IP67 protection rating at the module level and is designed to marine-grade EMI/EMC standards. It is currently undergoing class certification with Lloyd's Register.

Tur added: "The ES10M is the first step in our long-term strategy for the marine sector. It is purpose-built for marine applications and reflects our commitment to bringing engineering expertise derived from elite motorsport into an industry undergoing significant technological transformation. As we expand our marine product line, we will continue to apply the data-driven, physics-informed methodologies and uncompromising engineering standards that have defined our approach for decades."