CATL Targets Pure Electric Ocean-Going Vessels Within Three Years

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, is expanding its focus on maritime electrification with plans to develop fully electric vessels capable of operating on ocean routes within the next three years. The update was shared by Su Yiyi, general manager of CATL’s marine business, during Marintec China, Asia’s largest maritime exhibition.

Shift From Inland Waters to Deep-Sea Applications

CATL’s battery-powered vessels are currently used across inland waterways, lakes, and coastal regions in China. The company now intends to apply its battery and power system expertise to long-distance ocean shipping.

“Perhaps in about three years, we’ll see pure electric ships sailing the oceans,” Su said.

While electric vehicle adoption in China has surpassed 50 percent, the electric ship sector remains at an early stage with relatively limited deployment. CATL sees the segment as a growth opportunity as maritime operators explore alternatives to fossil fuels.

Marine Business Expansion Since 2017

CATL entered the electric vessel market in 2017 and established CATL Electric Ship Technology in 2022. The subsidiary provides four core services for the maritime sector:

• Power system integration
• Marine battery systems
• Smart navigation systems
• Battery swapping solutions

Su said the marine segment is a central pillar of CATL’s broader “full-spectrum growth” strategy, which aims to extend the company’s energy technology across land, sea, and air transport.

Launch of Integrated Zero-Carbon Shipping Solution

During Marintec China, CATL unveiled a new zero-carbon shipping and smart port-to-ship integrated solution. The offering combines onboard power systems with shore-based charging and battery-swap infrastructure, supported by cloud-based monitoring and management tools.

The platform includes:

• Maritime battery and propulsion systems
• Smart navigation technologies
• Shore-side energy supplement options
• Cloud services for remote monitoring, dispatching, and operational optimisation

According to CATL, the system is designed to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, enhance safety, and simplify fleet management. The company said the goal is to make green shipping “as easy, safe and efficient as driving an electric car.”