AYK Energy Lands Kongsberg Electric Tug Deal for Svitzer | Mariner News

AYK Energy has secured a significant deal with Kongsberg Maritime to supply battery systems for four new fully electric Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs, marking a notable advancement towards wider commercial adoption of full electrification in the workboat sector.

The agreement, which includes an option for four additional vessels, will see each tug built at Cochin Shipyard in India equipped with an ABS-certified 4,838kWh OrionAN+ battery system. This integration into Kongsberg Maritime’s complete electrical and automation architecture, encompassing DC and AC switchboards, permanent magnet propulsion motors, K-Chief control systems, and shore charging equipment, underscores a comprehensive approach to marine electrification.

This latest collaboration builds on five previous Svitzer hybrid-electric tug projects AYK Energy has undertaken. AYK founder Chris Kruger highlighted the role of operator investment in driving technology to the “mass market,” citing belief in the battery systems’ return on investment (ROI) as a critical factor.

Kruger indicated that the guiding principle for AYK’s battery development has been to address direct industry demand for increased energy density and greater power without compromising safety. This focus suggests a maturing technology and a market increasingly prioritizing operational efficiency and economic viability for full electric propulsion solutions, moving beyond pilot or niche applications.