A Swedish ferry operator has signed an agreement to install a large-scale battery system on a new hybrid high-speed vessel as part of efforts to reduce fuel use and emissions on a key Baltic Sea route.
Under the agreement, Echandia will supply a 780kWh battery system for the Gotland Horizon X, a catamaran that will operate between Visby and Nynäshamn. The vessel is being built by Austal Limited and is expected to be delivered in mid-2028.
The ferry is designed to carry up to 400 cars and 1,500 passengers. With a top speed of 29 knots, it is expected to complete the crossing between Gotland and mainland Sweden in just over three hours.
“We are proud that Gotlandsbolaget has chosen Echandia as a partner in their continued transition toward more sustainable maritime ferry operations,” said Torbjörn Bäck, chief executive of Echandia. He said the system is designed for hybrid operations requiring flexibility in cycling and power output, allowing performance to be refined over time.
The battery system is intended to support hybrid operations through functions including peak shaving, load levelling and onboard energy storage. These capabilities are expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions during operation. The system has been designed for a service life of 20 years.
Jonas Moberg, head of newbuildings at Gotlandsbolaget, said the project reflects efforts to combine technological development with ongoing fleet renewal. He said the system would provide flexibility and enable adjustments based on operational experience.
The agreement reflects a broader shift in maritime transport toward hybrid and electric technologies, driven by environmental targets and the need to improve efficiency on regional ferry routes.
Echandia Marine will be exhibiting at Seawork in June this year, on stand F31.
