EST-Floattech’s battery system picked for UK’s first commercial electric workboat

UK shipbuilder Coastal Workboats has contracted Dutch energy storage system provider EST-Floattech to supply battery systems for the electric-landing utility vessel (E-LUV) and the shore-based power supply system (SPSS).

As explained, the collaboration is realized due to Coastal Workboats receiving a £6 million ($7.4 million) grant to demonstrate the UK’s first commercial electric workboat and charging station.

This grant, provided by the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), is part of the industry’s recognition of the pressing need for cleaner, greener maritime operations and the usage of electric workboats in a commercial environment.

The vessel that will be built, the E-LUV, is set to be the UK’s first commercial electric workboat.

This roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and dry cargo transportation ferry will be equipped with 2400 kWh of EST-Floattech’s Octopus High Energy battery system.

According to the firm, the system will be placed as two independent battery systems on board, power a range of equipment, and be used for fully electric sailing.

Starting for demonstration purposes in the Shetland Isles in a short trial, the E-LUV will be operating between West Burrafirth and Papa Stour.

Secondly, EST-Floattech will supply 1.200 kWh of the Octopus High Energy battery system, to be placed in a 20-foot container that will support the charging of Coastal Workboats’ E-LUV vessel. It is also possible to place the containerized energy storage solution on board as a range extender.

The provider will cooperate with MJR Power & Automation for the system integration and the entire system will be placed inside the container by Renew Marine.

“We are proud to be contributing to lowering emissions in the maritime industry in the UK, working hand in hand with Coastal Workboats to bring sustainable, high-performance energy solutions to the forefront. Our collaboration on the E-LUV is a testament to our shared commitment towards a more environmentally responsible maritime future,” Jelle Meindertsma, Sales Manager at EST-Floattech said.

Both companies agreed that this collaboration marks a significant stride towards achieving the UK’s environmental targets and demonstrates the power of innovation in the maritime sector.

This project, the fully electric interisland workboat demonstration project (including the E-LUV), is part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (CMDC3), which was announced in September 2022, funded by the UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

As part of the CMDC3, the Department allocated £60 million ($74.7 million) to 19 flagship projects supported by 92 UK organizations to deliver real-world demonstration R&D projects in clean maritime solutions.

Projects will take place in multiple locations around the UK from as far north as the Shetland Isles and as far south as Cornwall.

The CMDC3 is part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emission’s (UK SHORE) flagship multi-year CMDC program.

Rotterdam-based Nesec Financiering has provided a strategic loan to EST-Floatech, which will be used for the ongoing advancement and production of the maritime-type-approved Octopus Series battery systems.

EST-Floattech also received funding from Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam, Rotterdam Port Fund, PDENH, Ponooc, and Yard Energy.

“With over 75 years of experience in providing funding for the shipping sector, this loan for the advancement of EST-Floattech’s maritime battery systems represents a new arena for us. This is a clear sign of the times, and the work of EST-Floattech is playing a crucial role in supporting maritime operators in achieving their sustainability objectives,” Joost Bout, Relationship Manager of Nesec said.

“The contribution of Nesec Financiering’s to the funding round with Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam, Rotterdam Port Fund, PDENH, Ponooc, and Yard Energy is important to bring EST-Floattech and thus maritime sustainability to the next level. This investment supports our commitment to revolutionizing the maritime industry with the Octopus Series battery systems and redefining the industry’s sustainability standards, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future,” Joep Gorgels, Co-director at EST-Floattech added.

The battery system is specifically designed for the maritime industry, including inland and short-sea shipping, ferries, tugs, push-boats and yachting.