- Wilhelmsen Ships Service becomes the latest member of the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF), reinforcing its dedication to clean and electrified shipping solutions.
- The company has a strong record in battery-related innovation, from Singapore’s first electric cargo vessel to global charging infrastructure.
- Wilhelmsen aims to contribute technical expertise, lifecycle support, and global operational experience to advance battery-powered maritime operations.
The Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) has welcomed Wilhelmsen Ships Service as its newest member, underlining significant progress in the maritime industry’s shift toward electrification. As part of the global Wilhelmsen group, the company supports vessel operations in over 2,200 ports and is widely recognized for its commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence. Its MBF membership is a natural extension of its ongoing mission to promote sustainable maritime solutions.
Wilhelmsen’s Expanding Role in Battery-Powered Maritime Solutions
Wilhelmsen’s involvement in maritime battery development has grown steadily over recent years. In 2023, it partnered with Yinson GreenTech to develop Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel, the Hydromover. This was followed in 2024 by its entry into the Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), a collaborative initiative to promote clean energy in regional logistics.
The company took another major step in 2025, launching an electric vessel charging station at its Pandan Loop facility to support the next generation of battery-powered vessels such as Hydromover 2.0 and Hydroglyder. It also signed an MoU with Yinson GreenTech and R W Marine Services to integrate electric vessels into Singapore’s port system, in alignment with national decarbonisation goals.
Wilhelmsen’s innovation journey dates back even further. It acquired a majority stake in NorSea Group AS in 2017, supporting port-side electrification in Northern Europe. In 2018, Wilhelmsen partnered with Kongsberg Maritime to create Massterly—the first company in the world dedicated to autonomous, remotely controlled, and battery-powered ships.
Developing Real-World Maritime Battery Applications
Wilhelmsen is now exploring multiple ways to advance the operational practicality of maritime battery systems. This includes designing tailored treatments and chemical solutions for battery-powered vessels, as well as adopting sensor technology and data analytics to monitor battery performance.
The company also aims to be a full lifecycle partner for battery-powered vessels, offering advisory services, technical support, and maintenance from installation through end-of-life. These initiatives are intended to make electric shipping scalable, efficient, and viable for global deployment.
Deepening Collaboration Through the Maritime Battery Forum
Wilhelmsen’s entry into the MBF aligns with its desire to collaborate globally, share expertise, and help shape safety and regulatory frameworks for battery adoption. Through the Forum, Wilhelmsen seeks early access to developments in battery technology, deployment strategies, and global standards.
Its global service network will play a key role in helping MBF scale battery adoption across the maritime sector. With extensive retrofitting experience and charging infrastructure know-how, Wilhelmsen is well-positioned to support the forum’s goals.
“Joining the Maritime Battery Forum reflects our commitment to accelerating the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient operations. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners to exchange operational insights, contribute to the development of battery technologies, and support the implementation of critical onboard and onshore systems such as integrated battery solutions and charging infrastructure. Through these initiatives, we aim to make maritime electrification achievable and a practical reality.”
— Wilhelmsen Ships Service
A Shared Vision for a Greener Maritime Future
MBF celebrates the addition of Wilhelmsen Ships Service to its growing network of maritime battery stakeholders. The company’s experience in vessel operations, infrastructure deployment, and sustainability strategy will enhance the Forum’s impact in scaling real-world maritime battery applications globally.
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Source: Maritime Battery Forum
