This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Thu 23 Jul 2015, 12:45 GMT

Engine manufacturer in tie-up with Li-ion battery specialist


Partnership aims to develop battery systems for hybrid propulsion systems.



MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, a manufacturer of diesel engines and complete propulsion systems and a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, says it has formed a development partnership with Darmstadt-based Akasol GmbH.

Akasol is a subsidiary of Schulz Group and a leading manufacturer of lithium ion (Li-ion) battery systems for high performance applications. The partnership is aimed at developing and delivering battery systems for MTU's hybrid and e-drive propulsion systems for marine, rail and industrial applications.

According to Akasol, with the help of its battery systems, MTU aims to extend its current product range with hybrid propulsion systems for mobile applications in the marine, heavy duty ground vehicles and rail sector.

Lothar Holder, Executive Managing Director of Akasol, remarked: "I am very pleased that with MTU we have found an expert partner and one of the world's most important manufacturers of propulsion systems. This partnership gives us completely new opportunities to further the development of high-performance lithium-ion battery systems. For us, this is a quantum leap."

Christos Ramnialis, Executive Vice President of sales, service and network at MTU Friedrichshafen, said: "Since our companies already cooperate together for several years, we are very pleased and looking forward to a closer cooperation between MTU Friedrichshafen and Akasol. Energy storage for hybrid propulsions of off-highway applications enlarges our system expertise to another fundamental component for the future. Together with our partner we are able to perform as a supplier for complete systems."


Vessels at sea. Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet reaches 400 vessels  

World Shipping Council reports 83% increase in operational dual-fuel vessels during 2025.

Photograph of a blue cargo vessel. Lloyd’s Register publishes first guidance notes for onboard hydrogen generation systems  

Classification society addresses regulatory gap as shipowners explore producing hydrogen from alternative fuels onboard.

Erasmusbrug bridge in Rotterdam. Rotterdam bunker industry faces upheaval as new regulations drive up costs and shift volumes  

Red III compliance costs and a mass flow meter mandate are creating operational challenges across the ARA region.

Neil Chapman, VPS. VPS appoints Neil Chapman as managing director for the Americas  

Maritime services company names industry veteran to lead regional operations and client partnerships.

Oil refinery infrastructure. Maritime industry shifts towards LNG as alternative fuel enthusiasm stalls  

Geopolitical concerns drive shipping leaders to prioritise established fuels over newer alternatives, survey finds.

OceanScore logo. OceanScore reaches $5m annual recurring revenue as emissions compliance demand grows  

Hamburg-based firm supports compliance workflows for more than 2,500 vessels as regulations enter operational phases.

Jiangnan Shipyard LNG carrier construction contract signing. Jiangnan Shipyard secures order for four LNG carriers from Shell  

Chinese yard to build 175,000-cbm vessels for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

Varsha Sudheer, Island Oil. Island Oil appoints Varsha Sudheer as senior trader in Dubai  

Marine fuel supplier strengthens trading platform with new hire at recently established UAE hub.

Bitoil Group logo. Bitoil Group seeks bunker trader for Dubai operations  

Dubai-based company is recruiting for a senior bunker trader role to manage global fuel sales and procurement.

Hiring concept with puzzle pieces and a magnifying glass. Uni-Fuels seeks bunker traders for new London operation  

Singapore-headquartered firm advertises position as part of UK expansion.


↑  Back to Top