AYK Energy battery selected for new 7,999 dwt diesel-electric tanker

Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured a contract with Spanish shipowner Mureloil to deliver a 4,200 kWh battery for a new diesel-electric tanker.

Under the agreement, AYK Energy will supply its Aries+ battery on a new 7,999 dwt diesel-electric product tanker being built for Mureloil at Astilleros Murueta shipyard near Bilbao.

The deal was brokered by AYK’s Spanish agent VULKAN Española.

According to the shipowner, embracing AYK’s battery technology is part of its commitment to decarbonization.

AYK founder Chris Kruger said the vessel will be able to operate on zero-emission battery power while entering and exiting port immediately improving air quality and cutting emissions in built-up port areas.  Kruger added that the vessel is designed to run on diesel, battery power, or a combination of the two.

“We’d like to thank Mureloil and Vulkan for their efforts and for giving AYK the opportunity to supply this vessel,” he said. “We are now starting to see that electric and hybrid vessels can compete with diesel engine vessels on price. That is what has to happen if the industry is going to kickstart the transition to electric ships. The last six months has seen AYK receive a higher number of quotations for vessels requiring bigger batteries than ever before. This includes ferries, tugs and windfarm vessels.”

Kruger further added that AYK Energy launched a battery called Pisces in September 2024.

As explained, the battery can provide full power to larger vessels such as ferries, OSVs, drill rigs, and windfarm vessels.

“Critically we managed to price this at $300 per Kilo-watt hour (kWh) which is a key industry milestone for ship owners if we are to see widespread adoption. The industry standard started at $1600 per kWh 2012, while recent industry prices hover at $450-$550 per kWh. Getting to $300 kWh is very important if batteries are to be one of the prime drivers of the decarbonisation of shipping,” Kruger said.

He also underlined the role of AYK’s new 5,000 square meter factory in Zhuhai, China, in efficient battery manufacturing: “I knew we had to build our first major factory in China as it is far and away the global centre of EV and cell technology. Having the cell maker on our doorstep supercharges the speed of the manufacturing process and cuts the costs significantly for clients like Mureloil. This set up will enable the ultimate democratisation of the marine batteries, making the technology affordable and safe for all. Batteries have a vital role in helping vessel owners meet the IMO GHG emission targets.“