AYK Energy to Supply Batteries for Four Svitzer Electric Tugs Built in India

AYK Energy has secured a contract from Kongsberg Maritime to supply battery systems for four fully electric Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs being built at Cochin Shipyard in India.

Announced on 6 October, the agreement also includes an option for battery systems for four additional vessels, potentially expanding the programme to eight electric tugs.

Each tug to receive 4.84 MWh battery system

Each of the four confirmed tugs will be equipped with an ABS-certified OrionAN+ battery system with a capacity of 4,838 kWh, or approximately 4.84 MWh.

Together, the four vessels will have around 19.35 MWh of installed battery capacity.

The batteries will form part of Kongsberg Maritime’s integrated electrical and automation package. The system includes DC and AC switchboards, permanent magnet propulsion motors, K-Chief control systems and shore-charging equipment.

The configuration combines onboard energy storage, electric propulsion and shoreside charging within a single vessel system.

Contract expands AYK’s role in Svitzer electrification programme

The agreement builds on AYK Energy’s previous involvement in Svitzer’s fleet electrification programme, following battery supply for five hybrid-electric tug projects.

AYK also supplied an ABS-certified 6 MWh AriesA battery system for Svitzer Balder, which was built at Uzmar Shipyard in Türkiye.

Battery performance and safety remain key requirements

AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said investment from major vessel operators would be important to expanding the commercial deployment of marine battery technology.

He identified confidence in return on investment as a key factor in supporting wider adoption, while also highlighting energy density, power output and safety as important considerations for vessel operators and system integrators.

Kruger said AYK had worked with classification societies and industry partners to develop lithium iron phosphate battery technology for marine applications.

The project also adds an international electric tug programme to India’s shipbuilding portfolio, bringing together Cochin Shipyard’s vessel construction capabilities with battery, propulsion and automation technologies supplied by specialist maritime companies.