Maritime battery market: Sunlight takes majority stake in Lehmann Marine

Greek battery producer Sunlight Group has decided to acquire a 51% stake in Lehmann Marine, a Germany-based lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems specialist.

The investment agreement is said to represent a strategic move to strengthen both companies’ positions in the rapidly expanding maritime battery market.

As explained, the partnership aligns with the global shift towards sustainable shipping solutions, driven by the need to reduce emissions and enhance operational efficiency.

“This partnership is a transformational step for both companies,” Alexander Lehmann, Managing Director of Lehmann Marine, commented.

“Partnering with Sunlight gives us a powerful ally to scale our production and meet the increasing demand for safe and efficient energy storage systems in the maritime sector.”

“Our collaboration with Sunlight marks a significant milestone in our company’s growth. By combining our expertise, we will accelerate the development of innovative battery technologies that support the industry’s transition to sustainable operations,” Dirk Lehmann, Managing Director of Lehmann Marine, added.

“This strategic investment underscores Sunlight’s commitment to identifying high-value opportunities in the energy storage sector. By joining forces with Lehmann Marine, we are positioned at the forefront of the maritime battery market, which is set to see substantial growth in the coming years,” Labros Bisalas, CEO of Sunlight Group, highlighted.

The global maritime battery market is projected to grow significantly by 2030, driven by the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid propulsion systems designed to reduce emissions and meet international sustainability targets.

Electrification in shipping plays a critical role in advancing decarbonization efforts, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

Lehmann Marine and Sunlight are strategically located near key global maritime hubs (Hamburg and Athens), enabling them to respond swiftly to market demands and provide tailored energy solutions to customers worldwide. By leveraging their combined expertise, the companies aim to deliver ‘reliable’ energy storage systems that support the shipping industry‘s transition towards zero-emission operations.

The partnership will also allow Lehmann Marine to expand its production capacity and accelerate the deployment of next-generation maritime battery solutions, meeting the evolving needs of shipowners and operators seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional propulsion systems.

“I would like to thank Alexander and Dirk Lehmann for their trust in Sunlight. We look forward to working closely together to drive innovation and growth in the maritime sector. Our shared vision of providing best-in-class energy solutions will help accelerate the transition to greener shipping,” Bisalas concluded.

In related news, Lehmann Marine recently equipped two fully electric ferries with CUBE energy storage solution. Built and delivered by German shipbuilder Ampereship, both ferries will operate emission-free on the Lake Iseo in Italy.