Auckland’s public transport network celebrates a milestone with its first plug-in hybrid electric fast ferry, operating on the Auckland to Devonport route. Designed by Incat Crowther, this 32-meter vessel accommodates 299 passengers and 20 bicycles, significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in urban transport. Future hydrogen upgrades are planned.
The maritime electrification movement is accelerating as shipowners seek propulsion methods that meet stricter emissions standards while ensuring efficiency. Recent studies identify battery systems as viable for decarbonization, particularly with the rise of hybrid powertrains. This shift is reshaping vessel design, making battery-electric propulsion essential for various fleets.
Dutch marine solar developer Wattlab has equipped HGK Shipping’s inland cargo ship, The Blue Marlin, with a groundbreaking solar energy system. This vessel is the world’s first hybrid solar-powered inland transport ship, featuring 192 solar panels that power its propulsion system and onboard operations, marking a significant advancement in maritime sustainability.
Dutch maritime innovator Wattlab has equipped HGK Shipping’s vessel Blue Marlin with a pioneering solar energy system. With 192 solar panels, it becomes the first inland shipping vessel capable of hybrid sailing powered by solar energy, significantly enhancing sustainable shipping practices and reducing fuel consumption through efficient energy management.
Centus Marine has launched its second hybrid propulsion fast crew boat, Centus Alesha, from Strategic Marine in Singapore. This vessel aims to enhance sustainability in offshore operations by reducing fuel consumption and emissions during crew transfers to installations off Sarawak, Malaysia, marking a significant advancement in decarbonization efforts.
Shipowners are seeking ways to extend vessel life while meeting IMO decarbonization goals. Lomar Shipping’s lomarlabs is collaborating with Newlight to create hydrogen retrofits for ships, allowing diesel engines to use a hydrogen blend. This innovative approach could cut fuel use by up to 30%, with pilot installations set for summer 2025.
Marine Jet Power (MJP) and Derecktor S hipyards New York have launched two cutting-edge hybrid passenger ferries for Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia. The Juliette Gordon Low II and The Susie King Taylor II are the first of their kind in the U.S., powered by waterjet propulsion for sustainable maritime transportation.
The largest conversion project of conventional RoRo ferries into plug-in hybrid ferries is set to begin in the second half of 2025. Scandlines in Denmark, partnering with Wärtsilä, will convert two 27-year-old vessels to hybrid operations, enabling them to conduct 80 percent of their voyages by battery power.
A Japanese consortium led by Imoto Lines and Marindows is developing a next-generation containership to operate emissions-free and address the shortage of seafarers in Japan. The vessel will use containerized batteries and a hybrid powertrain, with plans to incorporate low-environment impact technologies in the future. Scheduled for completion in January 2027.
Construction has begun in Chile at ASENAV shipyard on a unique exploration cruise ship, the first hybrid-electric propulsion cruise ship with Azipods to be built in the Americas. The cruise ship, named Magellan Discoverer, is designed to operate in Antarctica, with a delivery date set for 2026.
Canada’s BC Ferries awarded Damen Shipyards Group the shipbuilding contract for four unique hybrid electric vessels. These vessels will operate exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable BC Hydro electricity to power the charging stations. The ships will have a capacity for up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, and will use renewable energy and advanced environmental systems.
