ENOVA has awarded funding under the programme “Batteries in Emission-Free Ships” to K. Sætre Rederi AS and Felleskjøpet Agri. As the cooperating shipyard, Royal T Shipyards supported the project with a complete design basis for new battery-powered dry-cargo vessels.
The funding marks a significant milestone for the Norwegian maritime sector and showcases the momentum behind large-scale battery solutions in dry bulk coastal transport.
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400 nautical miles per charge
Royal T Shipyards actively contributed to proving the feasibility of long-range battery operation. In collaboration with shipowner K. Sætre Rederi AS and system suppliers, the Dutch yard performed detailed operational and energy-use analyses, including modelling support of the full route profile from Norwegian cities Moss in the south to the city of Glomfjord in the north.
These studies demonstrated that the vessel can achieve the required sailing distances – up to approximately 400 nautical miles per charge – while maintaining full cargo capacity in both directions. This technical validation formed an important contribution to the successful ENOVA application.
Emission-free bulk transport along the Norwegian coast
The project aims to replace traditional diesel propelled vessels with advanced battery-driven cargo ships, supported by newly developed charging stations at Moss/Kambo and Vestnes. Once operational, the vessels will operate on up to 91 per cent electricity and are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1540 tonnes per year.
‘This project clearly shows that large-scale battery propulsion is not only possible, but highly effective for coastal transport,’ says Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Royal T Shipyards. ‘We are honoured to support K. Sætre Rederi and Felleskjøpet in this innovative step, combining Norwegian leadership in green logistics with Dutch expertise in advanced ship design and construction.’
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Cross-border collaboration
The project underlines how cross-border collaboration accelerates the transition toward zero-emission maritime transport.
Wilco Smit, Sales & Project Development at Royal T Shipyards, concludes: ‘We look forward to the next phase of the project and to contributing our experience in designing and building next-generation emission-free vessels.’
Picture: Gadus Zero Emission ship design (image by Royal T Shipyards).
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