Klaipeda Port Authority to invest €775 million in sustainability: Lithuania's Klaipeda Port Authority has launched a €775 million investment programme through 2030, prioritizing port electrification, renewable energy, and emission reduction technologies. Key initiatives include shore power installations for berthed vessels, deployment of electric cargo handling equipment, and grid upgrades to support zero-emission operations, projecting annual CO₂ reductions exceeding 50,000 tonnes. Read more

Port of Bilbao seeks assistance for Port City master plan: The Port of Bilbao has tendered for technical assistance to develop its "Getxo-Bilbao Sustainable Port City: An Integrated Approach 2030" master plan. The framework requires expertise in shore power infrastructure design, electric transport corridors, and renewable energy systems to transform the port-city interface, aligning with Spain's National Energy and Climate Plan. Read more

Ports as enablers of fleet electrification: Industry analysis highlights ports as critical enablers of maritime electrification through strategic infrastructure investments. Success factors include high-capacity shore power, rapid charging for ferries, and grid integration with renewables. Coordinated port-vessel electrification programs can reduce total capital expenditure by 30-40% through shared infrastructure costs. Read more

Ningbo Ocean Shipping's 740-TEU all-electric container ship begins sea trials: China's Ning Yuan Dian Kun, a 10,000-ton, 740-TEU all-electric container ship built by Jiangxi Jiangxin Shipbuilding, has commenced sea trials. The 127.8-metre vessel features a 19,000 kWh containerised battery system powering two 875 kW motors, achieving 11.5 knots. The modular battery design allows for rapid swapping and shore power charging, supplemented by photovoltaic systems. Read more

CMA CGM to launch hybrid electric container barge: CMA CGM Group will launch a 185-metre, 156-TEU hybrid electric river container barge on the Rhône's Fos-Lyon axis within two years, reducing CO₂ emissions by 80% versus trucks. The project, in partnership with Combronde and supported by a €40 million terminal modernization, will transport nearly 12,000 TEU annually. Charging infrastructure will be developed with Compagnie Nationale du Rhône. Read more

AET orders hybrid-electric DP shuttle tanker: MISC Group's AET has contracted Dalian Shipbuilding for its first hybrid-electric dynamic positioning shuttle tanker, a 154,000 dwt suezmax for 2028 delivery. The vessel integrates electric energy storage with dual-fuel ethanol-ready capability, enabling zero-emission positioning and reduced transit fuel consumption. AET operates 17 shuttle tankers in Brazil and the North Sea. Read more

DE Klop launches fully electric CSD Cygnus for Dekker Group: Dutch builder DE Klop BV has launched the first Cygnus cutter suction dredger, Rotterdam 26, for Dekker Group. The CSD operates exclusively on green shore power for emission-free sand extraction, with a standard dredging depth of 18 metres, to be upgraded to 50 metres. A second Cygnus unit is planned, validating the viability of shore-power-dependent dredging. Read more

Vessev to test electric hydrofoiling ferry: Auckland-based Vessev will trial its VS-9 electric hydrofoiling passenger ferry on Lake Whakatipu to explore new transport links between Kingston and Queenstown. The technology lifts the vessel above water, enabling high-speed operation with minimal wake and emissions. Vessev is also developing a larger VS-12 model with a 30-passenger capacity. Read more

Polestar Maritime orders twin 60-tonne BP battery-electric tugs from Cochin Shipyard: Polestar Maritime has ordered two 60-tonne bollard pull battery-electric tugs from Cochin Shipyard under India's Green-Tug Transition Programme. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd, the tugs will provide zero-emissions towage at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, with deliveries in 2027 and 2028. The order expands Cochin Shipyard's electric tug orderbook to 17 vessels. Read more

Conway, SC, to launch themed electric ferry experience: The city of Conway, South Carolina, has approved the purchase of an electric ferry for the Waccamaw River, funded by a Santee Cooper Evolve Grant. The ferry will offer a themed "jungle cruise" experience while connecting the riverwalk to downtown. Planning is in the early stages, with no timeline or pricing announced. Read more

Auckland's plug-in hybrid fast ferry hits 36 knots on battery power: Auckland's first plug-in hybrid electric fast ferry, built by Q-West Boat Builders for Fullers360, has achieved 36 knots on all-electric power during sea trials. The 32-metre Incat Crowther design will serve the Auckland-Devonport route, carrying 299 passengers. It features four Danfoss electric motors and is expected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 750,000 kg. Read more

Korea's KRISO develops Autonomous Electric Car Ferry: Korea's KRISO is developing an Autonomous Electric Car Ferry, integrating electric propulsion with autonomous navigation to meet IMO 2050 carbon neutrality goals. The project targets a prototype demonstration by 2030. KRISO is also developing a high-efficiency onboard carbon capture system and an AI-based design support system to accelerate development. Read more

CalMac to get all-electric ferries, Colintraive terminal to be upgraded: Caledonian Maritime Assets has submitted plans to electrify Colintraive Ferry Terminal to support CalMac's new all-electric vessels. The upgrade includes a new substation, charging facilities, and a shore power arm for the Colintraive-Rhubodach route. This is part of Transport Scotland's Small Vessel Replacement Programme, which will replace eight older vessels with electric ones. Read more

Asian harbours lead the way in zero-emission towage: Asian harbours are rapidly adopting zero-emission towage. In Singapore, Seatrium is building a battery-electric tug with a 3-MWh Echandia battery. In Japan, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has delivered the hydrogen-fuelled tug Ten-OH. In China, Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyards has built the hydrogen-electric tug Qing Dian Tuo 1 for Qingdao Port, with an 82-tonne bollard pull and 1,500-tonne annual CO₂ reduction. Read more

ABB's electric drivetrains: ABB's electric drivetrains are powering close-to-shore vessels with modular and efficient systems. The Zeetug30 in Istanbul, powered by ABB's HES880 Mobile Drives, has cut operational costs by 85% and reduced CO₂ emissions by 210 tonnes annually. ABB's portfolio, including AMXE Motors and Max Series Traction Batteries, is also used in the iconic Maid of the Mist tour boats at Niagara Falls. Read more

Wabtec's shore power solutions: Wabtec's ShoreCONNECT system is providing shore power to cruise ships in ports like Kiel, where it has reduced CO₂ emissions by 12,000 tonnes annually. In Rostock, it can supply up to 20 MVA to two ships at once. For ferries, Wabtec's FerryCHARGER provides automated rapid charging in 10 seconds or less, and is being used by Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the U.S. Read more

Wärtsilä's hybrid-electric LNG carrier design: Wärtsilä's new hybrid-electric LNG carrier design increases cargo capacity by 6% (9,000 cbm) and reduces equipment weight by over 40%. The design uses five compact generating sets instead of two large 2-stroke engines, resulting in a 10% fuel consumption reduction and a 15% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. The Wärtsilä 31 engine platform is fuel-flexible and ready for future zero-carbon fuels. Read more

Marine Battery Forum - WATTS UP 2026
March 3–5 | Palma, Spain 🇪🇸

Hybrid to Zero 2026 Conference
March 11–12 | Oslo, Norway 🇳🇴

4th Annual Electrification, Fuel Cells And Battery Development For Marine Vessels
March 27–28 | Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪

TOC Europe
May 19–21 | Hamburg, Germany 🇩🇪

Electric and Hybrid Marine Expo Europe 2026
June 16–18 | Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱