Fleetzero and Glosten are pushing the envelope of electric shipping with a bold new project: a hybrid-electric vessel designed for global reach. This isn’t just another retrofit—it’s a leap toward zero-emission long-haul shipping, and it’s happening faster than many expected.
The vessel, still in the design phase, is being built to operate primarily on battery power, with hybrid capabilities to extend its range. This is where things get interesting. Fleetzero’s modular propulsion platforms are designed to be scalable, adaptable, and—critically—economical. By pairing them with Glosten’s naval architecture expertise, the partners aim to prove that hybrid-electric propulsion isn’t just for short-haul or regional operations. It’s viable for global shipping.
This project builds on Fleetzero and Glosten’s ongoing work retrofitting a Lightering Support Vessel for AET. That vessel, currently being outfitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system, is a testbed for the technology. But this new vessel? It’s a statement. “This vessel will be a major milestone—not just for us, but for the entire industry,” said Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero. “Partnering with Glosten allows us to showcase how our propulsion technology can enable economical, cleaner, and more efficient operations, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in shipping.”
The stakes are high. If successful, this vessel could rewrite the playbook for long-range shipping. It’s not just about cutting emissions—it’s about proving that electric propulsion can compete on cost, range, and reliability. And that’s a game-changer.
Glosten’s Morgan Fanberg put it bluntly: “We’re excited to support Fleetzero in transforming this vessel. It’s a bold move toward the next generation of marine technology, and exactly the kind of advancement we’re proud to support.”
The timeline is aggressive. Detailed engineering starts soon, with construction slated for mid-2026. That’s ambitious, but given the urgency of decarbonisation, perhaps it’s not ambitious enough. The maritime industry is watching closely. If Fleetzero and Glosten pull this off, they won’t just be building a ship—they’ll be building a blueprint for the future of global shipping.