- AYK Energy has secured a contract to manufacture and supply a 6MWh battery system for the world’s first battery-methanol hybrid tug, being built by Uzmar Shipyard for Svitzer.
- The tug, based on Svitzer’s TRAnsverse design, will operate primarily on battery-electric power, with methanol-fueled engines providing backup and range extension.
- The vessel, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025, will support decarbonization efforts in the Port of Gothenburg by reducing emissions across a quarter of Svitzer’s operations.
Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has been commissioned to develop a 6MWh battery system for the world’s first battery-methanol hybrid tug. The contract marks AYK’s first collaboration with Turkish shipyard Uzmar, which is constructing the vessel for Svitzer, a global leader in towage and marine services. The tug is expected to be delivered in the latter half of 2025 and will be deployed in the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden, where it will provide zero-emission services for Svitzer’s operations.
Battery-Powered Tug Design and Performance
The innovative vessel, built on Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design, will be powered primarily by its battery-electric system, with dual-fuel methanol engines serving as a backup and range extender. Designed for escort duty, the tug will complete over 90% of its operations using battery power alone. Compared to traditional internal combustion engine-powered tugs, this hybrid model offers enhanced efficiency while maintaining a gross tonnage of approximately 806 tonnes and a top speed of up to 14 knots.
The project highlights AYK Energy’s growing reputation in the maritime battery sector. Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy, stated:
“We’re extremely pleased to have won the contract from Uzmar to work on this project, which is a trailblazer in the sector. It once again underlines the confidence the marine industry has in AYK to deliver. It also shows our continuing progress in winning the bigger battery projects, and that is very much down to our advanced technology and commitment to providing value for money.”
He further emphasized the growing role of battery solutions in maritime decarbonization, adding:
“Battery solutions are constantly expanding, and we are proud to be at the forefront when it comes to providing those solutions to the maritime sector. Companies like Svitzer see it becoming an important power option in the sustainability transition. They see the combination of battery power and methanol engines as safe, efficient, and reliable. And once again in this work, we are showing how marine batteries can play a fundamental role in decarbonizing the maritime industry, right here and now.”
Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook
Svitzer, a key player in maritime decarbonization, sees this hybrid tug as a milestone in its sustainability efforts. Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation at Svitzer, commented:
“The launch of a first-of-its-kind newbuild project with our partners at Uzmar Shipyard is a significant milestone for our decarbonization ambitions. The battery electric tug will mean we can deliver our services to customers in the Port of Gothenburg with significantly lower carbon emissions and still to the highest operational and safety standards.”
Similarly, Uzmar’s leadership highlighted the project’s significance. Uzmar CEO, A. Noyan Altug, stated:
“By integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, we are not just building a tug; we are helping to shape the future of green maritime operations.”
AYK Energy’s Expanding Presence in Maritime Battery Solutions
AYK Energy is witnessing a surge in demand for its battery systems across the maritime sector, supplying solutions for tugs, offshore support vessels (OSVs), superyachts, fishing vessels, workboats, and even large container ships. The 6MWh battery for the Svitzer hybrid tug will be manufactured at AYK’s state-of-the-art 5000 sqm automated facility in Zhuhai, China. Opened in 2023, the plant has an annual production capacity of 300 MWh, with scalability up to 1 GWh.
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Source: AYK Energy
