A retrofit of a former DOF Group platform supply vessel with a battery in a box could be the start of a green revolution for shipping, according to two technology companies.
Norway’s Fjord Maritime and AYK Energy, based in Andorra, have won a deal to install the system on a vessel acquired by trout producer Firda Seafood Group.
The ship was not named, but TradeWinds is told it is the 4,100-dwt Skandi Foula (built 2002).
The vessel was sold for $4m last April, but is now worth $8m, according to VesselsValue.
The conversion work to turn it into a live fish carrier will be done at Norse Shipyard Group in Turkey.
The companies believe containerised battery power will be one of the maritime industry’s biggest innovations in the next decade, driving a green propulsion revolution in the shortsea, workboat and offshore sectors.
The systems can be installed easily on deck without taking cargo space below deck.
Fjord Maritime chief executive Vidar Rabben said: “We have a long-term relationship with Firda, which has put sustainability and fish welfare at the heart of all its operations.
Demand growing
“The demand for state-of-the-art equipment is growing across aquaculture as businesses like Firda look to grow in a sustainable and safe way. Our solutions contribute to that with increased efficiency, safe operation and reduced emissions.”
Ed Carney, global sales director at AYK Energy, said the containerised battery is safe, highly efficient and competitively priced.
“The retrofit process is simple and does not require the vessel to be out of service for very long. When operational, the batteries can also then be swapped around with fully charged replacements quickly at shore-side charging centres,” he added.
AYK Energy has built and shipped more than 15 MWh of batteries to Europe over the past year.
It plans to set up manufacturing centres in the US and Europe in 2024.
