Maritime transportation asset company AET and modular marine battery manufacturer Fleetzero have signed an agreement to develop what they state will be the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel.
The signing ceremony took place at the AET Offshore office in Galveston, Texas, with representatives from both companies present. The agreement was signed by Capt. Ron Wood, AET’s global director of commercial, and Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero.
Retrofitting battery-electric power
Under the agreement, one of AET’s lightering support vessels (LSV) will be retrofitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system. The vessel will operate primarily on battery power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 82% compared to conventional LSVs on a tank-to-wake basis. This is estimated to avoid 1,220 metric tons of greenhouse gases per year, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs, while maintaining high safety standards.
Decarbonization goals
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in our decarbonization journey and energy transition strategy. We are proud to partner Fleetzero in developing the world’s largest plug-in hybrid-electric LSV, reinforcing our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry,” said Zahid Osman, president and group CEO of AET’s parent company Misc Group.
“By integrating plug-in hybrid electric solutions into our fleet, we are transforming ambition into action to deliver more energy with less emissions. This pilot project also allows us to evaluate the feasibility and operational performance of this technology, paving the way for potential deployment across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet.”
Steven Henderson, co-founder and CEO of Fleetzero, said, “We are so excited about this project because it promises to advance marine electrification in a commercially viable way, and the impact is immense – drastically reducing emissions from the vessel operations. Many of us at Fleetzero have served at sea as mariners, and we designed our technology to enhance mariner safety and ease of operations, not only to improve emissions and efficiency. Fleetzero’s technology is built by mariners for mariners.”
In related news, AtoB@C Shipping has taken delivery of Aquamar, its plug-in hybrid new-build. Click here to read the full story.
