Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy and Dutch maritime system integrator Gebhard Electro are strengthening their collaboration through two new projects that support the transition towards more sustainable maritime operations.
The first project is the construction of a new trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD1000) at Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands for UK Dredging, part of Associated British Ports. The vessel combines diesel-electric propulsion with an integrated energy storage system (ESS). AYK Energy will supply the battery system, while Gebhard Electro is responsible for the complete electrical installation and system integration.
The second project involves the conversion of the Port of Rotterdam’s patrol vessel RPA 8 from hybrid to fully electric propulsion. AYK Energy will provide the battery system, with Gebhard Electro responsible for integrating the complete electrical energy solution as part of the retrofit.
Headquartered in Oosterhout, the Netherlands, Gebhard Electro has more than 80 years of experience in electrical engineering, automation and system integration for the maritime industry. The company delivers complete electrical solutions for newbuilds, refits and complex retrofit projects.
These projects are said to further strengthen the long-standing collaboration between AYK Energy and Gebhard Electro. Previous joint projects include the fully electric maintenance vessel Volta for Martens en Van Oord and the hybrid tug VB Kracht for Boluda Towage, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting the maritime sector’s transition towards cleaner and more efficient operations.
Chris Kruger, Founder, AYK Energy, said: “Our partnership with Gebhard Electro continues to demonstrate how battery technology is becoming an increasingly important part of modern vessel design and retrofit projects. Together we are delivering practical solutions that improve efficiency, reduce emissions and support the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon operations.”
Gebhard Electro MD Gerard Kraaij added: “Our collaboration with AYK Energy is built on a shared commitment to delivering reliable and future-ready solutions for the maritime sector. Battery technology is a key component of vessel electrification, but its real value is achieved through effective system integration. We are pleased to continue working together on projects that help our customers operate more efficiently and sustainably.”
AYK will supply a 318kWh liquid-cooled Polaris battery system for the new trailing suction grab hopper dredger. It will be one of the first liquid cooled Polaris batteries that AYK has installed following DNV type approval – reinforcing its compliance with stringent maritime safety and performance standards.
And AYK’s 1640kWh PiscesA+ battery system will play a key role in the conversion of RPA 8, a significant milestone in the port’s drive toward an emission-free operations fleet. Previously AYK supplied a 2.2MWh Aries+S battery system for Volta, which is deployed in inland waters in Netherlands. It also delivered an 82kWh Orion battery system for the retrofitted hybrid tug VB Kracht.
Kruger said: “Workboat operators can see the value that battery power can deliver from every aspect when it comes to inland waterways and coastal vessels – performance, cost, safety and the reduction of carbon emissions. The business case is compelling. The cost of batteries has been reducing for several years and the technology is continually evolving and delivering real efficiency. It is no longer just a green message. Our batteries are providing value and they pay for themselves within a matter of years. This is both the present and the future.”
Image: New Damen-built dredger will include an AYK ESS (source: AYK Energy)
