4,838kWh Batteries Power Next-Gen Electric Tugs—Here’s the Deal
AYK Energy secures ABS-certified 4,838kWh battery systems for four fully electric Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs under.
The vessels, currently under construction at Cochin Shipyard in India, will feature AYK’s batteries integrated into Kongsberg’s system, including DC and AC switchboards, permanent magnet propulsion motors, K-Chief control systems, and shore charging equipment.
I’ve been working on this technology since 2012 with Svitzer’s four diesel electric hybrid tugs on the west coast of Australia.".
Kruger’s journey with Svitzer began over a decade ago, when he oversaw the original battery design for four diesel-electric hybrid tugs, Svitzer Euro, Svitzer Perentie, Svitzer Boodie, and Svitzer Dugong, built for the LNG terminal on Barrow Island, Western Australia. In 2025, AYK Energy returned to the same fleet to complete a full battery renewal program, installing new Aries LFP battery systems and delivering more than 5 MWh of new battery power in total.
Natural Gas
The latest deal builds on this long-standing relationship, with AYK Energy now supplying batteries for Svitzer’s next generation of fully electric tugs.
Marine batteries face unique challenges compared to their land-based counterparts. Kruger highlighted the complexities of marine battery technology:
“Marine batteries, electric ships, are not an easy technology. The rugged conditions of the sea make it much more challenging than electric road vehicles. If a vessel suffers battery failure you cannot simply step out onto the road.".
To address these challenges, AYK Energy has focused on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers a safer alternative to the more combustible Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry. Kruger noted:
“AYK was the first company to secure class approval for an LFP battery replacing the more combustible Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistry. Now the whole industry is following that lead.".
The system includes not only the batteries themselves but also the complete electrical and automation architecture, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced safety. This holistic approach is critical for the successful deployment of electric tugs, which require high energy density and power without compromising safety.
Operators and integrators have consistently emphasised the need for batteries that deliver both performance and reliability. Kruger acknowledged this demand, stating:
“Vessel operators and integrators have told us they want more energy density and greater power without compromising safety. This is what we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
Chris Kruger·Founder of AYK Energy
The deal also reflects the growing confidence in battery technology’s return on investment (ROI). Kruger underscored the role of industry leaders like Svitzer and Kongsberg Maritime in driving adoption:
“It’s only possible to bring technology to the mass market when the biggest operators invest in, and believe in, the battery systems ROI. The passion from all parties to change the industry for the better is really there.”
Chris Kruger·Founder of AYK Energy
For the maritime industry, the transition to electric propulsion is not just about reducing emissions, it is also about future-proofing operations. The new Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs, powered by AYK’s batteries, will operate in some of the world’s busiest ports, demonstrating the viability of electric workboats in real-world conditions. The option for four additional vessels signals strong confidence in the technology’s scalability and long-term potential.
The project also highlights the importance of shipyards like Cochin Shipyard in India and Uzmar in Türkiye, which are playing a pivotal role in the construction of next-generation vessels. These shipyards are not only building the physical infrastructure but also contributing to the global shift toward sustainable maritime operations.
As the maritime industry continues to grapple with the challenges of decarbonisation, partnerships like the one between AYK Energy, Kongsberg Maritime, and Svitzer serve as a blueprint for innovation. The success of these electric tugs could pave the way for broader adoption of battery-powered vessels, from ferries to cargo ships, ultimately reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
For stakeholders in the maritime sector, the message is clear: the future of shipping is electric, and the technology is ready to deliver. With industry leaders investing in battery systems and collaborating on cutting-edge solutions, the transition to greener operations is no longer a question of if, but when.
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