SeaPower. Powered by Kraken, supported by BlueZone Group

BlueZone Group strengthens in‑country sustainment through Kraken SeaPower battery servicing training in Germany

 

As Australia’s maritime autonomous and uncrewed capability accelerates, so does the need for trusted, in‑country sustainment. To meet that demand, BlueZone Group (BZG) recently visited Kraken Robotics in Germany for a technical training program focused on servicing, diagnosing, and supporting Kraken subsea battery systems; ensuring Australian customers investing in advanced energy solutions have local expertise to match.

 

For BZG, the purpose was clear: build practical capability to support Australian operators purchasing Kraken batteries and related charging systems, and to understand what is required to safely establish and operate an Australian service environment. The result is an expanded collaboration that combines Kraken’s world‑class subsea power technology with BZG’s local engineering and depot‑level support.

 

Why subsea power matters more than ever

Modern underwater missions are increasingly defined by endurance, reliability, and operability, making the battery a critical enabler of mission success. Kraken’s SeaPower system delivers exceptional energy density and efficiency in a subsea‑ready form, extending mission range and duration.

 

SeaPower is a pressure‑tolerant lithium‑ion battery, with Li‑ion pouch cells embedded in a proprietary polymer matrix, eliminating the need for pressure housings or oil compensation. This approach delivers 200% greater energy density than traditional solutions and 46% weight reduction per kWh, enabling longer, deeper, and more complex missions. Rated to 6,000 m, SeaPower integrates an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) that enables parallel operation across varying states of charge, real‑time telemetry, and software‑based power control. SeaPower systems are also scalable, configurable from 2 kWh to 5 MWh, to support platforms ranging from small systems through to extra‑large underwater vehicles.

 

Building Local Capability Through OEM Collaboration

BZG’s training with Kraken Robotics in Germany was delivered over a one‑week program combining classroom instruction with extensive hands‑on experience. The primary objective was to upskill BZG personnel in battery and charger servicing, with a strong emphasis on fault diagnosis and recovery procedures required to support Australian customers locally.

 

The program also provided valuable insight into Kraken’s manufacturing and quality assurance processes, allowing BZG to observe the full lifecycle of SeaPower batteries; from individual cell assembly through to completed systems. This exposure highlighted how design decisions, process controls, and rigorous test regimes contribute to subsea reliability, including Kraken’s ISO‑certified pressure‑testing approach to 660 bar.

 

In parallel, the training covered charger evolution and support, comparing earlier designs with newer generations that offer improved ruggedness, internal layout, and maintainability. This reinforced the importance of OEM feedback loops, where customer experiences in harsh environments directly drive enhancements in serviceability and operational robustness.

 

A key focus throughout the week was fault diagnosis, including how to interpret telemetry and BMS behaviour, identify whether issues originate in the battery, charger, or peripheral components, and respond effectively. BZG also trained in battery cycling and recovery techniques such as deep discharge recovery, where cells fall below control thresholds and require controlled re‑activation. These procedures are particularly critical for in‑country support, where rapid resolution can significantly reduce downtime.

 

While high‑level repairs, such as cell replacement, potting, and pressure testing, were demonstrated, major battery repairs remain an OEM responsibility, with BZG now equipped to provide diagnostic triage, charger servicing, approved recovery procedures, and informed guidance on when batteries should be returned to Kraken.

 

Enabling Safe In‑Country Support and Faster Outcomes

A key outcome of the visit was defining the requirements to safely establish an Australian workshop capability for subsea battery sustainment. BZG and Kraken aligned on critical facility considerations including ESD‑controlled flooring, climate control, fire suppression, and secure storage and handling processes, ensuring safe, repeatable servicing standards for energy‑dense lithium systems.

 

For Australian customers, the benefits are immediate. OEM training enables BZG to deliver faster in‑country diagnostics and support, reducing operational downtime, avoiding unnecessary international shipping, and helping customers sustain mission readiness.

 

Technical training is always about skills, but it is also about people. One of the most valuable outcomes of the trip was the relationship building: spending time with Kraken’s specialists, engineers, and facility leads created direct lines of communication that will support future Australian service stand‑up, documentation alignment, and ongoing troubleshooting support.

 

That kind of collaboration is what turns a product purchase into an enduring capability.

 

SeaPower. Powered by Kraken, supported by BlueZone Group.

 

To Stay Ahead of the Tide on Kraken SeaPower, please Contact the BlueZone Group sales team.

 

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Kraken Robotics and BlueZone Group at Kraken’s Battery Facility in Germany (Photo credit: Kraken Robotics).