Dear readers, this week, we bring you the latest updates on small to medium-sized vessels, from tugs to ferries. The momentum is undeniable, as more owners are embracing electrification for their vessels' propulsion. Meanwhile, ports are making significant strides in Onshore Power Supply (OPS), with the UK’s Portsmouth project being one of the most recent announcements. Enjoy this edition!

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Top News

• UAE pioneers electric tugs and digitalization in maritime: Abu Dhabi Ports Group is leading the Middle East’s maritime decarbonization with Bu Tinah, the region’s first all-electric tugboat, and Safeen Green, an unmanned survey vessel powered by renewable energy. ADNOC Logistics & Services is also exploring hybrid propulsion and AI-driven digitalization to optimize operations and reduce emissions. READ MORE

• Työvene to build battery-hybrid ferries for Sweden: Finnish shipbuilder Työvene has secured a €20M order from Sweden’s Torghatten AB to construct two battery-hybrid passenger vessels. Designed by Multi Maritime AS, the ferries will operate on Sweden’s west coast, carrying 248 passengers each and running on 100% electric power. Delivery is set for December 2025, marking Torghatten’s first regular ferry service in Sweden. READ MORE

• Hybrid-Electric SOV for He Dreiht wind farm underway: Cochin Shipyard has begun construction of a hybrid-electric service operations vessel (SOV) for North Star, set to support EnBW’s He Dreiht offshore wind farm in Germany. The VARD 407-designed SOV, equipped with Electric Voith Schneider propulsion, will accommodate 34 technicians and serve as a logistics hub. Delivery is expected by late 2026. READ MORE

• Zero-emission ferry set to transform Solent Travel: Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies are advancing their zero-emission, electric ferry project, the Artemis EF-24, for the Southampton-Isle of Wight route. Powered by renewable energy and featuring hydrofoil technology, the ferry promises smoother, quieter, and emission-free travel. Crew training begins in late 2025, with live demonstrations planned for May 2024. READ MORE

• Charge Offshore powers up electric vessels with wind energy: Charge Offshore, led by Tidal Transit, is revolutionizing offshore wind operations with innovative charging solutions for electric and hybrid vessels. Their Aquarius Eco and Aquarius Plus devices enable emissions-free charging directly from wind turbines, reducing downtime and operational costs. READ MORE

• Flagship to build California’s first electric ferries: Flagship Cruises & Events has secured a $15.27M CARB grant to build two fully electric, zero-emission ferries for San Diego-Coronado routes. Designed by Aurora Marine Design, the 275-passenger vessels will replace aging diesel ferries, cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with the first ferry launching by Fall 2026. READ MORE

• Portsmouth Port pioneers £27.4M Shore Power project: Portsmouth International Port is leading the UK’s largest shore power initiative, enabling three vessels to plug in simultaneously and cut emissions. The £27.4M Sea Change project, funded by the government, involves complex civil engineering to install power infrastructure while keeping the port operational. READ MORE

• Singapore’s largest electric supply ship set for trials: Kuok Maritime Group’s PXO-EXL-1, Singapore’s largest electric supply boat, will begin trial operations in late 2025, aiming to cut fuel costs and emissions. With a 40-tonne payload capacity and zero-emission capabilities, the vessel could reduce annual carbon emissions equivalent to removing 100 petrol cars from the road. READ MORE

• Electric Ferry ‘Salicornia’ hits record with 200,000 passengers: Portugal’s fully electric ferry, Salicornia, transported over 200,000 passengers in its first year, surpassing previous records. The €9 million vessel, co-financed by EU funds, replaced a 60-year-old diesel ferry, offering safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport between Aveiro and São Jacinto. READ MORE

• Echandia secures $20.6M to boost maritime battery systems: Swedish battery system supplier Echandia has raised $20.6 million to expand its operations and meet growing global demand for sustainable maritime solutions. The funding will enhance production capabilities in Sweden and the U.S., supporting projects like electrifying ferries and reducing fossil fuel emissions. With nearly 70 systems delivered since 2018, Echandia is driving the transition to cleaner shipping. READ MORE

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

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