European and Chinese companies are teaming up to accelerate the adoption of massive batteries at sea, marking a significant shift in the maritime industry’s push towards green energy. This collaboration is not just about scaling up technology—it’s about reimagining how ships are powered and setting new benchmarks for sustainability.
At the forefront of this wave is China’s BYD, the world’s fourth-largest car manufacturer, which is making waves in the maritime sector. BYD Energy Storage has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway’s Corvus Energy, a leader in marine energy storage systems (ESS). This partnership aims to develop next-generation battery solutions tailored for maritime applications, combining BYD’s scale and technological prowess in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries with Corvus Energy’s deep expertise in marine ESS.
“This MoU represents a significant step forward in our ambition to remain the market leader in high-quality marine battery systems,” said Ole Jacob Irgens, head of EMEA and Asia at Corvus Energy. “By combining Corvus’ deep maritime understanding and extensive experience in marine battery installations with BYD Energy Storage’s scalability, innovation in LFP technology, and strong global supply chain, we are well positioned to bring new products to market faster and meet the evolving needs of the shipping industry.”
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about strategy. BYD already has a foothold in shipping, having built a fleet of eight car carriers. Now, it’s leveraging that experience to push the boundaries of maritime energy storage. The collaboration with Corvus Energy is set to fast-track the development of marine-specific battery solutions, ensuring they are not only cutting-edge but also tailored to the unique demands of the shipping industry.
The automotive sector is increasingly eyeing the maritime industry as a fertile ground for innovation. Last week, Hyundai Motor signed a multilateral MoU with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Pusan National University to develop and commercialise hydrogen fuel-cell systems for vessels. Similarly, Japanese car giant Toyota has developed a fuel cell system for maritime applications, highlighting a broader trend of automotive companies diversifying into maritime green technology.
Green Whale Technology (GWT) from the Netherlands has also formed an alliance with China’s EVE Energy to provide batteries to ships worldwide. This collaboration merges EVE Energy’s advanced lithium marine battery system technology with GWT’s marine engineering, lifecycle service, and commissioning expertise. EVE Energy, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, boasts an ESS system factory capacity of over 10 MWh per day. They are offering 15-year guarantees for their marine batteries at a competitive price of below $300 per kWh, making this a game-changer for the industry.
These partnerships are more than just business deals—they are catalysts for change. By combining their strengths, these companies are not only accelerating the development of marine battery technology but also setting new standards for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The maritime industry is on the cusp of a green revolution, and these collaborations are leading the charge.
As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, these strategic alliances are paving the way for a future where ships are powered by clean, efficient, and scalable energy solutions. The synergy between European and Chinese companies is not just about advancing technology—it’s about redefining the future of maritime transport.