Electric shipping and hybrid ships

There’s more to electric shipping than electric propulsion

Electric shipping and hybrid ships are important solutions now that the marine industry has entered a new era – the age of decarbonisation and strict regulation. Vessels must be future proof: flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs in the future. As the regulation evolves and restrictions on emissions become stricter, the best way to stay competitive is to rely on the best available technologies. Electric shipping or ship electrification is one of the key solutions for marine decarbonisation.

The future of shipping is here: Discover how these interesting electrical solutions can reduce the environmental footprint for different vessels.

Electrical solutions and decarbonisation

Electrical solutions will deliver reduced emissions as retrofits and offer a competitive advantage also for newbuild vessels.  

Electrical solutions have been part of vessel design for many years in the form of diesel-electric propulsion or shaft generators, for example. The share of green energy – from renewable sources such as wind, water, and solar – in land-based electrical grids is on the increase.  

It makes sense for ships to take advantage of shore-based green energy. As an example, using a shore connection can reduce emissions significantly while the ship is in port. Depending on the vessel and its operating profile there are many ways to reduce its emission footprint. The key is optimisation: finding the right solution for each vessel.  

Slow steaming used to be the favourite solution for many vessels to reduce emissions. Flexibility was not an issue then, so this means that some vessels will never be fully optimised. Electrical systems onboard make it possible to use smarter propulsion systems. Smarter, more resilient, and more flexible – and thus capable of adapting to the changing needs in the future of shipping.

What powers cruise ships in the future? Will cargo ship engines be electric?

Deepsea vessels will have to adopt green fuel engine technology to decarbonise. Electrical systems will be an integral part of the system including shaft generators and shore connection. Electric cruise ships and electric cargo ships are a futuristic concept, but they can go hybrid and take advantage of solar energy to improve their efficiency. 

Tugs can benefit from hybrid or even full electric solutions. They operate close to the shore to land based electrical infrastructure. Because they have high load variations and spend long periods of time on standby, hybrid electric solutions will cut their GHG emissions significantly. 

Ferries are often part of local transportation routes and can easily use the land-based charging infrastructure. If the route is short enough, the ferry can even be fully electric. Many ferries still prefer to have a hybrid electric solution to minimise risks. 

Any short-distance or coastal vessel can be a hybrid ship. They can charge their ship battery with green energy available at the port. They can be a zero emission ship while manoeuvring, station keeping, and port navigating if they switch to full electric power during those operations.

Battery-powered ships, hybrid ships or diesel-electric ships?

Which solution would be optimal for your vessels? The following are examples of actual solutions.

E&PMS landing page Solutions

RoRo - Diesel electric, PTO/PTI and hybrid
Ferry - Diesel-electric and hybrid
Ferry – Zero emissions battery solution
Cruise Vessel - Fuel cell diesel-electric propulsion
Bulk Carrier - Hybrid propulsion with PTO/PTI and shore connection
Offshore service vessels – Hybrid propulsion
Shuttle Tanker - Diesel Electric
Tug – Hybrid 
Fishing Vessel - Hybrid
Large LNG carrier – Next-generation hybrid-electric
Catamaran ferry – zero emissions battery solution

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Why electrification – market trends and drivers

Watch the video and you will also learn three reasons to consider ship electrification as a solution for marine decarbonisation.

Solutions in more detail

Customer stories

Discover the benefits others have already gained from marine electric solutions.

  • Finnsirius © Finnlines
    Finnlines' two RoPax vessels

    Why was an integrated hybrid solution for two new RoPax vessels the perfect choice to support Finnlines’ long-term decarbonisation goals?

    Read about the all-in-one package for zero-emission operation
  • Aasen Shipping's modern bulk carrier
    Aasen Shipping

    Hybrid solution delivers big fuel savings, reliability and outstanding performance for Aasen Shipping's modern self-discharging bulk carrier.

    Learn more how hybrid solution delivers big fuel savings
  • Misje Vita

    Hybrid solution including engine, batteries, propeller and energy management system delivers big fuel savings for Misje Rederi's newbuild bulk carrier.

    Read more about the hybrid solution
  • Brittany Ferries

    With an 11.5 MWh energy storage system, Brittany Ferries’ two new RoPax vessels are record breakers. What rewards will they reap from hybrid operation?

    Read more about the hybrid solution
  • Harvey Gulf International Marine

    Wärtsilä HY hybrid upgrade has helped make Harvey Gulf International Marine’s operations significantly more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

    Read more about Wärtsilä HY
  • Maersk Minder

    Wärtsilä HY hybrid upgrade cuts fuel consumption and carbon emissions onboard the Maersk Minder anchor handling tug supply vessel.

    Learn more about Wärtsilä HY hybrid upgrade
  • Finnlines’ three new RoRo vessels

    New RoRo vessels enjoy improved efficiency and sustainability with Wärtsilä’s electric hybrid propulsion and energy management and optimisation systems.

    Discover the Wärtsilä hybrid technology
  • akerbiomarine reference
    Aker BioMarine

    Wärtsilä’s sustainable technical and hybrid solutions, with high levels of safety and reliability, were considered as being the most suitable for this project.

    Read more
  • Marfin HY Bulker reference
    Paolo Topic

    The integrated solution delivers a drastic reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

    Read more

Insights on electric shipping

Discover these insightful articles and case studies – they will build your knowledge of ship electrification and hybrid marine solutions.

Container ships lie at the quay in the port
25 Apr 2024 · Article
5 min read
Ship to shore power: 5 exciting reasons why it’s time to invest
A shore power connection will save fuel and cut your vessel emissions – here are...
aerial view from ship
24 Aug 2023 · Article
7 min read
Seven fascinating hybrid ship trends that everyone needs to know about
The next decade is promising some exciting developments for hybrid vessels....
15 Aug 2022 · Article
4 min read
Introducing the MS Medstraum – the world's first zero-emission fast ferry
As part of the EU-funded TrAM project, Wärtsilä and partners have...

Webinars related to electric shipping

Explore what you need to know about electric shipping and hybrid ships – learn from experts from the marine industry and associations. Register now! Or catch up on webinar recordings.

16 Nov 2022 · Webinar
Short Sea Shipping - A Smart Propulsion System
With the drive to decarbonise and ensure vessels are relevant and do not become obsolete it is time...
Denmark Hybrid Solutions Webinar Hero Slide
18 Nov 2020 · Webinar
Hybrid Solutions for marine applications - Optimise your operational performance

Hand-picked press releases

Six new Sallaum Lines vessels to drive sustainability with Wärtsilä solutions

Wärtsilä Corporation, Press release 23 April 2024 at 11:00 UTC+2
  • Wärtsilä will supply a range of solutions aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of six new Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels being built for Dubai based Sallaum Lines DMCC.

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply a range of solutions aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of six new Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels being built for Dubai based Sallaum Lines DMCC. Part of the order was booked by Wärtsilä in 2023 and the remainder in Q1 2024.

The Wärtsilä solutions were selected following a very stringent evaluation process, with sustainability and minimal environmental impact being a prime consideration. As a result, Wärtsilä, through its joint venture company, Wärtsilä Qiyao Diesel Company Ltd. (WQDC), was contracted to deliver three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel auxiliary gen-sets, operating mainly on LNG fuel, for each of the six vessels. Wärtsilä was also contracted to deliver the transverse thrusters and the main engine control system for these vessels.

Then for four of the vessels, Wärtsilä will supply the shaft generator systems, which will reduce the auxiliary gen-sets' running hours while at sea, thereby further reducing the ships’ emissions and lowering operating costs. The engines onboard each of the vessels will be supported via Wärtsilä’s Data Collection Unit (WDCU) with cloud based services and remote monitoring to optimise operability, fuel economy, and periodic maintenance.

“Sallaum Lines is committed to sustainability and to reducing our environmental impact through implementing eco-friendly practices and reducing emissions. We are moving forward to a sustainable future by working to achieve zero emissions by 2050. This is why we have selected Wärtsilä to partner with us for these six new ships,” says Mr. Puneet Arora, Technical Manager – Sallaum Lines.  

“We are working closely with Sallaum Lines in their efforts towards decarbonisation. In addition to this order, we recently signed a Decarbonisation Programme agreement with them for two existing PCTC vessels in their fleet. This cooperation has further strengthened the level of trust between our companies. Together, we are aligned in our determination to enable the cleanest possible shipping operations,” comments Rajan Khanna, Head of Sales, Middle East – Wärtsilä Marine.

The vessels are being built at Chinese shipyards, four at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard and two at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment will commence in 2024.

Media contact for more information on this release:

Isabella Alder
Positioning and Strategic Communications Manager 
Wärtsilä Marine
Tel: +44 (0) 7792 681 757
marine.media@wartsila.com

Image caption: Wärtsilä will supply a range of solutions aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of six new Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels being built for Dubai based Sallaum Lines DMCC © Sallaum Lines DMCC

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Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com

Wärtsilä Marine in brief
Wärtsilä Marine is a global pioneer in power, propulsion and lifecycle solutions for the marine market. We develop industry-leading technologies, advancing maritime's transition to new fuels. We support building an end-to-end digital ecosystem where all vessels and ports are connected. Ultimately, Wärtsilä Marine is driving the shipping industry forward on its journey towards a decarbonised and sustainable future through our broad portfolio of engines, propulsion systems, hybrid technology, exhaust treatment, shaft line solutions and digital technologies, as well as integrated powertrain systems. Our offering, which is underpinned by our performance-based agreements, upgrades, lifecycle solutions, decarbonisation services, as well as an unrivalled global network of maritime expertise, delivers the efficiency, reliability, safety, and environmental performance needed to support a safe and sustainable future for our customers, our communities and our planet.
www.wartsila.com/marine

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