Independent electric transport news covering aviation, maritime, buses, trucks, rail and working machinery.
The European HYPOBATT project has finished testing the Marine Megawatt Charging System (M-MCS) for ship fast charging in Germany. The result matters because it demonstrates a charging approach intended to support higher-power shore connection for vessels.
CMA CGM, Nike and Gemadept have launched Vietnam's first fully electric inland vessel. The project is intended to move more than 50,000 TEU a year between Ho Chi Minh City and Gemalink deep-sea port.
The UK government has granted development consent for the 2 GW Sea Link subsea high-voltage direct current electricity connection. The project is intended to add major transmission capacity, though the source provides no further project details.
Katoen Natie has started using two all-electric mobile harbour cranes at the Port of Antwerp, with four more to follow at three deep-sea multipurpose terminals. The full fleet is expected to expand handling capacity, including paired lifting up to 400 tonnes.
Corvus Energy has commissioned the energy storage system aboard the China Zorrilla, a battery-electric ferry built by Incat Tasmania for Buquebus. The vessel has entered commercial service, marking the start of operations for the new ferry system.
Washington State Ferries has ordered ABB to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for the third vessel in its hybrid-electric new-build program. The move extends the agency’s fleet modernization work, though the source does not give delivery timing or technical specifications.
The Spain-France Biscay Gulf electricity interconnector is reported to be 70% complete. It is intended to raise cross-border electricity exchange capacity from 2.8 GW to 5 GW.
National Grid plans to invest up to £400 million in the first cross-border electricity link between the UK and France. The work is intended to keep the interconnector operating until at least 2050.
The 130-metre battery-electric ferry China Zorrilla has entered commercial passenger service for Buquebus on the Buenos Aires-Colonia route. The vessel is described as the largest battery-electric ship to enter operation, which makes it a notable milestone for electric shipping.
Corvus Energy says the world’s largest marine battery system has entered operation on Buquebus’ China Zorrilla ferry. The installation is notable because it points to a larger-scale battery application in ferry operations.
Damen Shipyards Group has contracted EST-Floattech to supply two Octopus Series battery systems for installation on Damen Combi Freighter 3850 vessels. The order renews a November 2024 framework agreement and indicates continued battery integration in the vessel programme.
The electric ferry China Zorrilla has entered commercial service in South America. The vessel is described as the world’s largest electric ship, making its operation notable for electric maritime transport capacity.
Bibby Marine has launched a battery-first electric commissioning service operation vessel at Armon Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. The vessel launch marks a step in the company’s electric offshore support fleet development.
Lloyd’s Register, Shell and GTT have started a joint development project for a conceptual 200,000m³ LNG carrier. The concept combines hybrid-electric propulsion with GTT’s Next1 cargo containment technology, indicating work on lower-emission ship design.
Sumitomo Electric Industries has held an opening ceremony for what is said to be the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory in Scotland. The facility matters for future offshore power links, but the source does not provide further operating details.
Ørsted has turned to Saab UK for a third remotely operated vehicle to scale up underwater capabilities across its offshore wind assets.
A couple said they took their solar electric boat on a five-day trip on the UK’s Thames River without onshore charging. The account is notable because it suggests the boat ran on solar power alone during the cruise.
TEMO has introduced its latest electric marine propulsion system in the US. The launch adds a new option for sailboat owners between a conventional outboard and a permanently installed pod drive.
PowerCell has received an order to equip two additional GMI bulk carriers with hydrogen fuel cell systems, bringing the total collaboration to four vessels. The deal adds to the companies’ hydrogen-electric shipping deployment.
Peterbilt battery-powered box vans are keeping cargo moving at one of Canada’s busiest container terminals, with the source saying they avoid the air pollution of diesel and propane.
The Highland Council says procurement has reached another milestone for a new electric vessel to replace the existing Corran Ferry. The project is backed by funding from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, including Scottish Government support.
PACC Offshore Services Holdings (POSH) has acquired an electric work-class remotely operated vehicle, Argus. The move is intended to support mobilization for the Persian Gulf.
Portsmouth International Port has launched the UK’s first high-voltage, multi-berth shore power system, allowing docked ships to connect to grid power and switch off onboard generators. The system is intended to cut air pollution and fuel use from idling marine engines.
The Port of Helsingborg has ordered two new electric reach stackers from Kalmar. The move adds electric port handling equipment to operations where precision and confined-space performance matter.
AYK Energy has secured a deal with Kongsberg Maritime to supply batteries for four new fully electric Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs. The order adds to earlier work between the companies and supports the deployment of electric harbour tugboats.
EST-Floattech will provide an Octopus High Energy battery system for a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel. The vessel’s hybrid power plant is being integrated by Siemens Energy, and the ship is under construction at Marco Polo Marine’s shipyard in Batam, Indonesia.
Verlume said its 500 kWh modular subsea energy storage system has completed testing before deployment. The system is intended for offshore wind applications, where subsea storage and power management could support operations.
Hyster is introducing a hydrogen-powered ReachStacker at Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals for practical testing. The setup also includes a modular hydrogen refueling station and a dedicated training centre.
Italian university students developed the Competr electric outboard motor following their results in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. The development highlights student-led work on electric marine propulsion.
Taiga said it will update its vehicle operating system with built-in mapping and geofencing features. The company says the change is intended for its electric fleet and adds new operating software capabilities.
The National Audubon Society has launched its first fully electric passenger vessel at Hog Island. The vessel is described as emission-free, which makes the launch relevant for lower-emission passenger transport.
According to Advanced Maritime Technology International, Siemens selects EST-Floattech battery system for Marco Polo Marine’s CSOV Plus. The source says a package of high energy Octopus modules from EST-Floattech will be supplied as the battery system for the vessel.
marinEV, the marine electrification business of Yinson GreenTech, has acquired a one-year bareboat charter with HHH Marine & Logistics for Hydromover 1.0. The agreement adds to the commercial use of electric harbour craft in Singapore.
CleanTechnica says ports are choosing battery-electric reach stackers even though the machines are often seen as a hydrogen use case. The point matters because it suggests batteries are being used in heavier port equipment than some observers expected.
REGENT Craft has added $5 million in mission funding to its collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, bringing the contract value to $19.25 million. The extension indicates continued military interest in the Seaglider program.
The Marinus Link electricity and telecommunications interconnector has received the final Commonwealth approval needed before construction. The project is intended to connect North West Tasmania and Victoria.
An electrical fault has led Karoon to reduce production at a key well in Brazil and consider rig-based intervention. The disruption affects output plans and may require additional field work.
Bibby Marine said battery-first eCSOVs can deliver a 40% reduction in fuel consumption compared with traditional CSOV vessels. The company argues this could improve operational efficiency even before electric charging infrastructure becomes widespread.
Kempower is involved in charging infrastructure work at two Canadian port operations, including an installation with Global Container Terminals and a charger deal with DP World.
The people behind the Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival are presenting an Electric Boat Experience in Sausalito, California, according to Plugboats.
Kempower is bringing high-speed EV charging infrastructure to DP World’s Canadian terminal operations, with the first two sites already online. The change matters because it expands electric charging support for port operations across Canada.
Shipping fleet JUNA said it has deployed its 110th Scania electric semi truck. The source also says the fleet has more than 100 Scania electric semi trucks in use.
WK NatPower and Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises have signed an agreement to explore electric vessels, piers and supporting energy infrastructure in Hong Kong.