AYK Energy has successfully completed the installation and sea trials for the Guillaume de Normandie, the second Brittany Ferries vessel equipped with the largest marine battery ever built.
Key Highlights
- 12 MWh Orion+ battery system installed on both Guillaume de Normandie and Saint-Malo ferries.
- Guillaume de Normandie will operate on the Portsmouth–Caen route.
- Saint-Malo will begin service on the Portsmouth–St Malo route this month.
- Ships can run on LNG, battery power, or a combination, with shore power support in Portsmouth.
- Battery technology improving air quality by enabling zero-emission operations in port areas.
A Milestone in Marine Battery Technology
AYK Founder Chris Kruger praised the rapid installation and innovation, emphasizing the growing competitiveness of battery-powered vessels.
“These two ferries demonstrate how marine battery technology is advancing in energy density, safety and speed of installation,’ he said. “We are further seeing that the cost of battery powered vessels is starting to compete with internal combustion engine ships. This is important if electric batteries are to play a key role in the decarbonization of shipping and help the industry meet the IMO’s GHG targets.”
Regulatory and Industry Impact
- European regulations such as FuelEU and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) (2025) are pushing shipowners toward electrification.
- The introduction of AYK’s Pisces battery signals a shift toward fully electric vessels, capable of powering ferries, offshore support vessels (OSVs), drill rigs, and windfarm ships.
Future of Marine Electrification
Kruger, a pioneer in marine battery technology, sees fully electric vessels as the next evolution in shipping. AYK Energy’s strategic positioning in China, the global leader in battery supply chains, enables rapid innovation and production.
With Europe increasingly regulating emissions, the adoption of large-scale marine batteries is expected to grow, transforming the shipping industry toward a more sustainable future.
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Source: AYK ENERGY
