Sea trials, including full load testing of the biggest marine batteries installed on a ship, have been completed for a new Brittany Ferries vessel.
The 30,000-gt Saint Malo (built 2024) is LNG dual-fuelled and with hybrid power, allowing it to enter the ports of Portsmouth in the UK and St Malo in France under electric propulsion when it begins service in early 2025.
The batteries have been assembled by Europe and China-based AYK Energy at its dedicated facilities close to China Merchants Jingling Shipyard where the ferry has been built.
AYK Energy Founder Chris Kruger told TradeWinds the batteries take up four battery rooms onboard the vessel and sea trials showed the ability of the vessel to successfully enter and leave port under electric power.
"This is a power application so the energy density is not so high, at around 80 watt-hour per kilogramme on the weight side. If we go for energy it would be 145 and a different module altogether."
The trials also demonstrated the vessel's ability to switch to battery power in the case of an engine blackout, and maintain a speed of 14 knots, instead of using so-called spinning reserve, reducing the fuel and emissions of having a separate diesel generator on standby.
The Saint Malo will be able to recharge while in port connected to shore power.
Kruger said his batteries will not need to spend long under charge with the Saint Malo’s planned operational profile, as the batteries will not be fully discharged when the vessels berth.
Shore power systems are currently being installed in Portsmouth via the UK-funded Sea Change Project.
Kruger formed AYK Energy seven years ago, having worked in other marine battery makers and in the automotive sector for many years.
The company opened its assembly plant in 2023 and uses Chinese battery cells in the construction of its battery packs.
AYK Energy has also been contracted to supply battery packs for a second Brittany Ferries vessel on order at China Merchants Jinglng yard.
Kruger said interest is growing for larger, more powerful batteries from ship owners and said AYK Energy is on the point of signing a contract for a 25MWh for a large offshore workboat.
