Battery system supplier AYK Energy has announced two new vessel electrification contracts in partnership with Dutch maritime system integrator Gebhard Electro, covering a newbuild dredger and the conversion of a Port of Rotterdam patrol vessel.

The first project involves the construction of a trailing suction hopper dredger — designated TSHD1000 — at Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands for UK Dredging, part of Associated British Ports. The vessel will combine diesel-electric propulsion with an integrated energy storage system (ESS). AYK Energy will supply a 318 kWh liquid-cooled Polaris battery system for the vessel, while Gebhard Electro is responsible for the electrical installation and system integration.

According to AYK Energy, the installation will be among the first deployments of its liquid-cooled Polaris battery system following type approval by classification society DNV.

The second project involves the conversion of the Port of Rotterdam’s patrol vessel RPA 8 from hybrid to fully electric propulsion. AYK Energy will supply a 1,640 kWh PiscesA+ battery system, with Gebhard Electro again responsible for integrating the electrical energy solution for the retrofit. The conversion is described by AYK Energy as marking a step forward in the port’s drive towards an emissions-free fleet.

Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy, said: “Our partnership with Gebhard Electro continues to demonstrate how battery technology is becoming an increasingly important part of modern vessel design and retrofit projects. Together we are delivering practical solutions that improve efficiency, reduce emissions and support the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon operations.”

Gerard Kraaij, managing director of Gebhard Electro, remarked: “Our collaboration with AYK Energy is built on a shared commitment to delivering reliable and future-ready solutions for the maritime sector. Battery technology is a key component of vessel electrification, but its real value is achieved through effective system integration. We are pleased to continue working together on projects that help our customers operate more efficiently and sustainably.”

The latest contracts follow a series of earlier joint projects between the companies. These include the fully electric inland maintenance vessel VOLTA for Martens en Van Oord, for which AYK supplied a 2.2 MWh Aries+S battery system, and the hybrid tug VB KRACHT for Boluda Towage, which received an 82 kWh Orion battery system in a retrofit project.