EXCLUSIVE: Hybrid ferry signals Baltic innovation push

The company has signed an agreement with Gotlandsbolaget to supply a 780 kWh energy storage system for Gotland Horizon X, a next-generation catamaran being built by Austal Limited for delivery in 2028.

The vessel will carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 cars on the Visby–Nynäshamn route at speeds of up to 29 knots.

Speaking exclusively to The Motorship, Felix Backgård, team manager Technical Sales, emphasised that the battery is not just an auxiliary component, but a key enabler of system-wide efficiency.

“The battery enables the extraction of maximum value from the other components,” he said.

“It allows the gas turbine and steam turbine to operate at their optimum levels, while excess power and energy are captured by the battery. To a large extent, the battery functions as an energy-capturing device.”

The hybrid configuration allows the vessel’s engines to run more consistently at optimal efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. Rather than responding to fluctuating power demands, the engines can operate steadily while the battery absorbs variations in load.

Backgård also pointed to the broader operational benefits of this approach, particularly for high-speed and longer-distance vessels.

“Being able to maintain the optimum engine configuration for a larger part of the trip leads to greater savings,” he continued.

“The idea is to run the powerplant at its most efficient level and then leave it there for the duration of the trip. Any transient power demands are handled by the battery, and when the vessel is making its port call, the engines can ramp down smoothly thanks to the battery.”

The battery system has been designed for a 20-year service life and incorporates functions such as peak shaving, load levelling, and energy storage and transfer. These capabilities are expected to support both immediate efficiency gains and longer-term operational flexibility as performance data is gathereds

“With Echandia’s battery system, we gain flexibility to continuously optimize operations as we learn from real-world use,” said Jonas Moberg, head of Newbuildings at Gotlandsbolaget.

“Our ambition is not only to reduce emissions, but to build vessels that can evolve over time.”

Echandia chief executive Torbjörn Bäck added: “Our battery is well suited to these hybrid applications, where flexibility in cycling and power outtake is required. Gotlandsbolaget will be able to evolve the operational profile over time as they identify best practices for this specific vessel.”