Swedish marine battery developer Echandia has been selected to supply energy storage systems for eight newbuild cargo vessels, with an option for two more vessels, owned by Spliethoff Group.
The vessels are being built at Wuhu Shipyard in China, with WE Tech Solutions as the system integrator. The battery systems will be installed to optimise generator efficiency during cargo loading and unloading system operations, a demanding application requiring short but intense bursts of power.
Echandia’s LTO battery systems are built to handle short, intense cycles without the wear and degradation that other battery types could experience. Where other systems would need to be significantly oversized to handle the same load, increasing both cost and space requirements, Echandia’s solution is said to maintain full performance within a compact footprint. In addition, the systems have a designed lifespan of up to 20 years, considered to exceed any competing battery system on the market.
Each vessel will be equipped with a battery system dedicated to the cargo loading and unloading system. The battery systems will stabilise engine load, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce mechanical wear. The systems will also reduce the shore-power connection power requirements.
Torbjörn Bäck, CEO Echandia, said: “This project is a great example of how battery systems can improve operational efficiency in heavy-duty applications beyond propulsion. Working with Spliethoff, WE Tech Solutions, and Wuhu Shipyard, we’re providing a smarter and more energy-efficient way to handle cargo operations.”
The vessels will operate primarily on the Finland–USA trade route, transporting paper and other cargo. The first delivery from Echandia is scheduled for April 2027, with commissioning expected in late 2027 or early 2028.
Image: Echandia batteries will optimise Spliethoff’s cargo operations and reduce shore power requirements (source: Echandia)
