Two workboat electrification projects combine AYK Energy batteries with Gebhard Electro integration
Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy and Dutch maritime system integrator Gebhard Electro have agreed two new projects to electrify commercial workboats.
The projects cover a new Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD1000) being built for UK Dredging, part of Associated British Ports (ABP), and the conversion of the Port of Rotterdam’s patrol vessel RPA 8 from hybrid to fully electric propulsion.
The first project involves the construction of a new TSHD1000 at Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands for UK Dredging.
The vessel combines diesel-electric propulsion with an integrated Energy Storage System (ESS). AYK will supply a 318kWh liquid-cooled Polaris battery system for the new Trailing Suction Grab Hopper Dredger while Gebhard Electro is responsible for the complete electrical installation and system integration. It will be one of the first liquid cooled Polaris batteries that AYK has installed following DNV type approval – reinforcing its compliance with stringent maritime safety and performance standards.
The second project will see the Port of Rotterdam’s RPA 8 patrol vessel converted from hybrid to fully electric propulsion.
AYK Energy will provide the 1640kWh PiscesA+ battery system with Gebhard Electro responsible for integrating the electrical energy solution for the retrofit. The conversion of RPA 8, will mark a significant milestone in the port’s drive toward an emission-free operations 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.”
Gebhard Electro Managing Director Gerard Kraaij said: “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 projects further strengthen the long-standing collaboration between AYK Energy and Gebhard Electro. Previous joint projects include the fully electric maintenance vessel VOLTA for Martens en Van Oord and the hybrid tug VB KRACHT for Boluda Towage. AYK supplied a 2.2MWh Aries+S battery system for VOLTA, which is deployed in inland waters. It also delivered an 82kWh Orion battery system for the retrofitted hybrid tug VB KRACHT.
