Maritime battery newcomer wins major contract
A newcomer to the maritime battery sector has won a major contract to make battery systems for two of Norway’s passenger ferries.
Nereida Energy, which is based in Oslo, will deliver the core technology totalling 17MWh inside system integrator Frydenbø Elmarin’s propulsion systems.
They will power two Vestlandske Trafikk ferries that operate in the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most iconic natural landscapes, internationally recognised for its dramatic scenery. The ferries will be delivered next summer, when strict new requirements will be in force for zero-emission vessels. The quieter nature of battery-propelled vessels will be apposite for the 15-km fjord, which is characterised by steep mountain cliffs, deep blue waters and a series of well-known waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters, The Suitor, and Bridal Veil.
The installations — a 12.7MWh system on MF Hjørungavåg and a 4.4MWh system on MF Jotunheim — will support the vessels’ transition to fully electric propulsion. Both of the batteries will be lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, Nereida Energy said.
“This is a great day for Nereida Energy,” said Nereida Energy CEO Geir Bjørkeli. “Our first contract is not only a milestone for the company but also proof that our strategy of building trust, being transparent, and creating long-term relationships has significant value in the maritime market.We are proud to contribute to the electrification of the Geirangerfjord and look forward to delivering a project that sets a new standard for quality and sustainability.”
Nereida’s entry to the industry is symptomatic of a larger momentum within the maritime battery industry, as shipowners and operators step up efforts to electrify, partly because of emissions penalties.
Over the past few years, established battery specialists such as Corvus Energy and AYK Energy have expanded their offerings for electrified vessels, harnessing advances in lithium-ion and other energy storage technologies to power ferries, workboats, and hybrid ships.
Read more in our Special Report on Batteries and Electrification.
“This project gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our expertise and technology in one of the world’s most iconic maritime environments,” said Nereida Energy CCO Pål-Ove Husøy. “We will honour this trust and deliver a project that both we and our customers can be proud of. This gives us important momentum in the market – now we are truly under way.”
