K. Sætre Rederi and Felleskjøpet have received funding from Enova‘s Batteries in Emission-Free Ships program, which aims to replace traditional diesel-propelled vessels with advanced battery-driven cargo ships, supported by newly developed charging stations at Moss/Kabo and Vestnes.
Once operational, the vessels will reportedly operate on up to 91% electricity – reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,540 metric tons.
Netherlands-based Royal T Shipyards, the cooperating shipyard, supported the project with a complete design basis for the new battery-powered dry-cargo vessels. It performed operational and energy-use analyses, including modeling support of the full route profile from Moss in the south of Norway to Glomfjord in the north – in collaboration with shipowner K. Sætre Rederi and system suppliers.
“This project clearly shows that large-scale battery propulsion is not only possible but highly effective for coastal transport,” said Thecla Bodewes, CEO of Royal T Shipyards. “We are honored to support K. Sætre Rederi and Felleskjøpet in this innovative step, combining Norwegian leadership in green logistics with Dutch expertise in advanced ship design and construction.”
K Sætre Rederi is a Norwegian bulk-shipping company, historically serving the country’s industry and agriculture, with coastal vessels designed for regional cargo distribution. It is reported that the collaboration with Felleskjøpet – the Norwegian agricultural cooperative – to adopt battery-powered vessels signals a strategic commitment to sustainable maritime transportation and emission reduction.
In related news, EST-Floattech to supply Octopus battery systems for six new Arklow Shipping cargo vessels