Brittany Ferries is set to introduce a hybrid ferry, the Saint-Malo, in February 2025. The vessel will operate in the English Channel, specifically on the route connecting Saint-Malo in France and Portsmouth in the UK. The Saint-Malo is touted as having the largest battery ever installed on a ship, with a 12 MWh capacity.
Although the ferry is primarily designed to run on LNG, it can also operate purely on electricity, with the battery providing power mainly for harbor maneuvers. Built at the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China, the Saint-Malo features a Wärtsilä engine and four battery compartments, installed by AYK Energy, a company with operations in both Europe and China. During test runs, the ferry demonstrated the ability to reach a speed of 14 knots on battery power alone. For future operation, the ferry’s batteries will be recharged via an 8 MW charging system being installed at the Portsmouth harbor.
The Saint-Malo measures 195 meters in length and 28 meters in width, capable of carrying up to 1,290 passengers. According to Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, the vessel marks a key milestone in the company’s largest fleet renewal project in its 52-year history. He described the new ships as “significant steps on our journey to a more sustainable future,” noting that they represent cleaner, greener technology as well as a dedication to the regions they serve.
In addition to the Saint-Malo, the sister ship, Guillaume de Normandie, will also be converted into a hybrid vessel with a similar battery system. AYK Energy’s Managing Director, Chris Kruger, commented that purely electric ships of this size could become a reality in the future, indicating potential for further advancements in maritime electrification.
The two ferries are part of a larger ‘E-Flexer’ family of ships, commissioned by Swedish shipping company Stena Line and eventually chartered by Brittany Ferries. While initially, Leclanché was named as a battery supplier for the vessels, it is unclear whether AYK Energy has taken over the role or if a collaboration between the two companies has taken place.
