Author: Ethan Ward

Ferry operator Scandlines has put what it describes as the world’s largest electric freight ferry into service, deploying the vessel Baltic Whale on the Fehmarn Belt route between Rødby and Puttgarden. The ferry, measuring 147.4 meters in length, is equipped with a 10 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery system, allowing it to operate fully electrically or in hybrid mode using diesel generators. The vessel completed its maiden voyage on March 10, 2026, marking the culmination of a project first announced in 2022 when the ship was known as PR24. According to Scandlines, the ferry can complete the 18.5-kilometre crossing between Rødby and…

A European research consortium has launched a new initiative aimed at advancing hydrogen propulsion for ships by developing megawatt-scale fuel cell systems capable of operating for extended periods in demanding maritime environments. The project, known as MiNaMi—short for Million Nautical Mile Fuel Cell System—is supported by approximately €7 million in European funding and involves nine industry and research partners working across the hydrogen technology value chain. The programme aims to develop Europe’s first proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system in the megawatt power range designed to operate for at least 80,000 hours, equivalent to more than one million nautical…

China has started sea trials of what is described as the world’s largest all-electric container ship, marking a new step in the electrification of maritime transport as the vessel prepares for commercial operations along coastal feeder routes. The ship, named Ning Yuan Dian Kun and built by Jiangxi Jiangxin Shipbuilding, measures 127.80 metres in length and 21.60 metres in width. Designed as a 10,000-tonne class container vessel, it is currently undergoing testing in waters off Shanghai after completing earlier mooring trials. The vessel is expected to be operated by Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd. on routes connected to the busy…

Blue Water Autonomy has introduced the Liberty Class, a 190-foot autonomous surface vessel designed for U.S. Navy deployment, as the Pentagon accelerates efforts to expand unmanned maritime capabilities. The Boston-based technology and shipbuilding company said the steel vessel will have a range exceeding 10,000 nautical miles and payload capacity of more than 150 metric tons, enabling missions including missile launch, sensor deployment and logistics support. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026 at Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana, with the first ship expected to be completed later in the year under a formal acquisition program. The Liberty Class is built…

Vessev will trial its VS–9 electric hydrofoiling passenger vessel on Lake Wakatipu this month, as part of a study examining whether battery-electric water transport could help ease congestion in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. The demonstration, scheduled for Feb. 10, will evaluate the performance of the VS–9 on the lake between Queenstown and Kingston, including travel times, passenger experience and operational requirements. The trial is being conducted in partnership with residential developer Kingston Village and regional stakeholders, with findings expected to inform a broader feasibility study later this year. See also: New Zealand’s Vessev Secures First European Customer for…

ABB has secured an order to provide energy, propulsion and control systems for four new hybrid ferries commissioned by BC Ferries, the companies said. The vessels will be built by CMI Weihai and are scheduled for delivery starting in 2029. BC Ferries, one of the world’s largest ferry operators, runs 47 terminals across 25 routes in Canada’s British Columbia, carrying about 9.7 million vehicles and 22.7 million passengers annually. The four vessels form part of the operator’s New Major Vessels programme and will be double-ended ferries, allowing vehicles to load and unload from both ends. See also: Incat Trials World’s…

U.S. marine electrification company Fleetzero has raised $43 million in Series A funding to expand manufacturing of its hybrid and electric propulsion systems, as it seeks to scale production capacity and support the maritime sector’s shift toward lower-emission vessels. The funding round was led by Obvious Ventures, with participation from Maersk Growth, 8090 Industries and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Fleetzero said. The company also announced the opening of a new manufacturing and research facility in Houston, Texas. See also: Motive Energy to Supply Megawatt-Scale Charging System for Electric Tugboats at Port of Los Angeles The new site will initially support production…

A new electric-powered water toy developed through a collaboration between Italy’s Automobili Lamborghini and German manufacturer CAYAGO AG is making its public debut as the partners seek to expand the luxury brand’s presence beyond road vehicles. The SEABOB SE63, designed for use on superyachts, is based on Cayago’s electrically powered water sled platform and incorporates Lamborghini-inspired design cues. The companies say the model is intended to set a new benchmark in the high-end water toy segment, where demand has been rising alongside growth in the global superyacht fleet. See also: Motive Energy to Supply Megawatt-Scale Charging System for Electric Tugboats…

Motive Energy will design and deliver high-capacity charging and energy storage infrastructure to support Curtin Maritime’s electric tugboat fleet at the Port of Los Angeles, in what the companies described as one of the first purpose-built charging deployments in the United States for commercial marine operations. Under the project, Motive Energy will supply four 1-megawatt charging systems along with a 10-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, all installed on a barge-based platform. The system will provide high-voltage direct current charging for electric tugboats while helping manage grid demand and improve operational resilience at the port. See also: Incat Trials World’s Largest…

Australian shipbuilder Incat has completed initial sea trials of what it says is the world’s largest battery-electric ferry, a 130-metre vessel known as Hull 096, as testing begins ahead of its planned deployment in South America. The aluminium-built ferry, constructed in Hobart, is being built for South American ferry operator Buquebus and is scheduled to enter service between Argentina and Uruguay from next year. Incat received the order in mid-2023 and launched the vessel in May. Further testing is planned in the coming months before the ferry sails to South America. “This is the first time a ship of this…

Swedish electric hydrofoil manufacturer Candela will bring its P-12 electric boat to Trondheim, Norway, for a six-week trial to assess its suitability for commuter transport between Frosta Brygge and the city, the company said. The Candela P-12 uses hydrofoil technology that lifts the hull about one metre above the water at cruising speeds, significantly reducing drag, noise and energy consumption. At a cruising speed of around 25 knots (46 km/h), the vessel produces minimal wake and noise, giving the impression that it is moving above the water rather than through it. See also: Candela to Deliver Ten P-12 Electric Hydrofoil…

The Orbit Clipper, described by its operator as Great Britain’s first fully electric ferry, has completed its maiden voyage on the River Thames and is scheduled to begin regular passenger service in London in February 2026. Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the battery-electric vessel was built at Wight Shipyard in East Cowes with partial funding from government grants and designed by Aus Ships Group. The company said the ferry will operate between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, offering frequent crossings as part of London’s river transport network. Once in full service, the Orbit Clipper will carry up to 150…