Andorra-headquartered marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy is gearing up production after winning a deal to supply Greenpeace International’s new flagship vessel.
The vessel is being built at Freire Shipyard in Spain, and the deal was secured through a partner system integrator, with AYK supplying a 3MWh Aires+ advanced battery system recently approved by DNV.
The new vessel – due for delivery in 2027 – will be the most environmentally advanced ship in Greenpeace International’s fleet, designed to operate with near-zero emissions. Propulsion will be generated by two electric drive propellers as well as 1,746m2 of sails, supported by solar panels and the AYK battery packs. Greenpeace International says the vessel will be as close to fossil fuel-free as possible at launch, and is designed to transition to 100% green power as soon as technically possible.
AYK founder Chris Kruger said winning the deal is a major endorsement of the company’s technology.
“We are extremely proud to be supporting this transformative Greenpeace International project alongside our integration partner,” he said. “It’s a flagship vessel not only for Greenpeace International but for the future of low-emission shipping. This deal reflects growing recognition of AYK’s expertise in safe, high-performance marine batteries. AYK’s batteries will be critical to enabling silent, zero-emissions operations during sensitive campaigns and operations in emissions-restricted areas.
“AYK aims to be the prime innovator of electric ships,” Kruger added. “We all want to see fewer emissions and green shipping. But batteries will only be part of the decarbonization agenda if shipowners see a financial benefit. There has to be a compelling business case. And that’s what the new AYK range, which will be installed on the Greenpeace International vessel, is all about – mass adoption of batteries that can pay for themselves within a matter of years.”
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