The latest member of the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) is OSK Design, an internationally recognised maritime design and consultancy firm, which offers a long-standing track record in advanced vessel design and early adoption of hybrid and electric propulsion systems. OSK Design strengthens MBF’s expertise in the practical integration of battery technologies into complex vessel designs.
With the rapid transition toward low and zero-emission operations, the ability to integrate battery systems effectively from the earliest design stages has become essential. OSK Design’s membership adds strong practical expertise in turning battery technologies into vessel solutions that meet operational demands, regulatory requirements, and commercial expectations.
OSK Design is regarded as a leader in the design of large Ro-Pax ferries, with a portfolio of passenger and vehicle vessels operating under demanding environmental, operational, and regulatory conditions. The company holds strong references within the offshore wind sector, where it supports the design and optimisation of vessels for renewable energy operations.
OSK Design brings together the expertise of four specialist entities. OSK ShipTech, OSK Offshore, Steen Friis Design, and Vertigo VR, offering an integrated approach covering ship design and engineering, offshore and specialised vessels, interior and passenger space design, and maritime business consultancy. The company has been at the forefront of implementing hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems, advanced energy management solutions, and data-driven design methodologies.
OSK Design began working with maritime battery systems as early as 2015, supporting HH Ferries (now Øresundslinjen) in the early adoption and integration of battery solutions for passenger ferry operations. Since then, battery and hybrid technologies have become a core element of OSK Design’s project portfolio, integrated across multiple vessel segments. The company’s experience spans both newbuilds and retrofits, enabling shipowners to transition toward cleaner operations while maintaining safety, reliability, and commercial viability.
Among its current projects, OSK Design is involved in the development of new high-speed catamaran ferries for Molslinjen, operating on the Kattegat route. In addition, the company is supporting Øresundslinjen in the conversion of a third vessel to full electric operation on the Øresund route, further advancing one of Europe’s most prominent ferry electrification initiatives. Several additional battery-related newbuild and conversion projects are currently underway or in development, reflecting the growing demand for integrated battery solutions across vessel types and markets.
OSK Design joins MBF to further strengthen its knowledge of battery technologies, safety concepts, and system integration practices. As a company actively designing vessels with integrated battery systems, access to shared industry experience, technical insights, and best practices is essential.
Image: P&O Ferries’ latest short-sea newbuilds are an example of an OSK Design electrification project (source: MBF)
