World’s First Swappable Containerised Marine Battery Set To Transform Electric Ships

The marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy is set to unveil the world’s first swappable containerised marine battery system at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg

The fast-growing battery manufacturer’s latest technology milestone is set to transform electrification across the commercial vessel market – removing many of the cost and engineering barriers that exist heralding a new era of electric ships.

AYK confirmed it is already receiving orders for the battery while it progresses through the class approval process, having successfully completed the New Technology Qualification (TQ) stage. For new technologies, TQ provides a structured process for demonstrating that the technology is sufficiently mature before progressing to full class approval.

AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said the new containerised battery technology fundamentally changes how marine batteries can be installed, deployed and operated.

“We are very proud to bring this innovation to the global marine market,” he said. “A vast amount of engineering time and investment has gone into this. The AYK Cosmos Marine Battery Container will simplify installation, reduce engineering complexity, lower project costs and speed up implementation. The system also removes the need for a dedicated battery room which can be a highly complex engineering job and significant cost.”

Mr Kruger said the system’s flexibility allows batteries to be swapped or permanently installed, depending on operational needs. It will further eliminate much of the design work that has been needed for battery installations.

“The beauty is in the ease and flexibility of use,” he said. “Our containerised batteries can be stacked onshore and charged off-site to be transported to ports when required. They can then be loaded onto vessels at speed and tailored to voyage energy requirements perhaps loading dozens of batteries at a time to meet short sea fully electric requirements in the EU for example to help meet ETS standards.

It can further be used to deliver temporary hotel-load power while vessels are in port, reducing emissions, or operate as a swappable system that allows batteries to be exchanged between voyages. It can also be permanently installed for hybrid or fully electric vessels.”

Mr Kruger said as one of most advanced marine battery systems ever developed, it features eight independent levels of safety, with IP67 protection and A60 fire rating.

AYK Energy is primarily targeting the ferry, RoPax and passenger vessel market, although the new battery is also suitable for tugboats, feeder vessels, hybrid commercial craft and fully electric vessels, as well as other workboats requiring battery power.

“We firmly believe our technology will remove the barriers to electrification, make battery technology easier to adopt, and as a result accelerate maritime decarbonisation,” he said. “This is the future being delivered today.”

“The system we have developed combines safety, flexibility and cost-effectiveness; which we believe are the three pillars that will support the accelerated electrification of the sector.

“This is yet another example of AYK Energy leading the global marine battery sector and underlines our commitment to help owners on that green journey, supporting them as they look to comply with future emissions regulations.”

AYK Energy has a track record of industry-firsts, including pioneering safer LFP battery chemistry in the marine sector. It was also the first company to secure marine certification for LFP batteries with DNV.