Dear readers, maritime electrification reaches new milestones with Antwerp-Bruges launching a fully electric tug (2,782MWh batteries) and Stockholm activating its second cruise ship shore power system. Bureau Veritas releases new battery safety guidelines as Norway cements its lead with 90+ electric ferries operational. Meanwhile, Wasaline's groundbreaking dual-battery retrofit promises 23% emissions cuts, showcasing the industry's multi-path approach to decarbonization. Enjoy this edition!

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Top News

• BV on battery safety standards: Bureau Veritas' new report highlights Li-ion battery risks and OPS standardization needs for maritime use. Global fleet reaches 1,045 battery vessels (20% pure electric), mostly hybrids. Requires ruggedized designs and thermal management for marine conditions. READ MORE

• Electric cargo cranes from MacGregor: MacGregor will supply 80-ton electric cranes for Vertom's 4 new Indian-built multipurpose vessels by 2026. Replaces hydraulic systems, cutting emissions by 40% per operation. First order follows Saudi dive support vessel crane contract. READ MORE

• Volta1 e-tug debuts in Belgium: Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched Volta 1 (70-ton bollard pull) with 2,782MWh LTO batteries. Charges in 2 hours via 1.5MW station for 12-hour operations. Part of six-tug RSD fleet renewal cutting 85% of port CO₂ emissions. Built by Damen in Vietnam. READ MORE

• Hybrid ferry trials in Denmark: Molslinjen's 116.8m Nerthus began sea trials with HVO generators backing 600-passenger battery propulsion. Features autonomous berthing and BV-classed PM motors. To serve Bøjden-Fynshav route from Q3 2025. Targets 50% emissions reduction. READ MORE

• Norway's green marine shift: Norway aims for 70-75% emissions cuts by 2035 with 90+ electric ferries operational. Corvus and Morrow Batteries supply LFP systems for coastal routes. World Heritage fjords mandate zero-emission vessels from 2026. READ MORE

• Stockholm shore power: Ports of Stockholm activated second OPS facility at Stadsgården 160 for cruise ships. Connects 50% of calls using renewable electricity. Follows 2024's inaugural system. Part of EU-funded Baltic Sea clean port initiative. READ MORE

• Dual-battery retrofit Foreship and Wasaline: Foreship will upgrade Wasaline's Aurora Botnia with 12.6MWh hybrid NMC/LFP system by 2026. Cuts CO₂ 23% annually via optimized LNG gen-set use. First maritime dual-chemistry retrofit enables FuelEU compliance through 2040s. READ MORE

• Port energy management at Vancouver: Vancouver Port's BC Hydro-funded manager saved 135GWh since 2013 via shore power and LED retrofits. Targets electrification of 24/7 container cranes with peak-load mitigation. Program covers 29 terminals across Lower Mainland. READ MORE

• Hybrid ferry bids in the US: Washington State Ferries received two bids for 160-car hybrid-electric vessels: Eastern Shipbuilding (251M) and Nichols Brothers (339M). Contracts to be awarded June 2025 for 2027 deliveries. Part of $1.27B fleet renewal plan. READ MORE

Looking for previous editions? Click here. Feel free to share it with your network and anyone involved in ports and vessels electrification!