AYK Energy seals nine-vessel battery deal with Grimaldi Group

Image: Grimaldi Group

Battery manufacturer AYK Energy has won an order to supply its 2,073 kWh OrionAN batteries to nine Grimaldi Group ROPax vessels being constructed for the group as part of its fleet renewal program.

The vessels are being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) and will be delivered in 2028-2030.

Six of the ships will be deployed in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands, while three will be operated by Finnlines in the Baltic Sea. Key features include reduced environmental impact.

The ships will feature multi-fuel engines capable of running on methanol along with green technologies that including modern hull design and high-efficiency propeller design, shore power connectivity, and waste heat recovery systems.

The high-performance OrionAN marine batteries being provided by AYK will play an important role in enhancing the new vessels’ energy efficiency and environmental performance.

The batteries are part of AYK’s latest range, which received DNV type approval last year, reinforcing their compliance with stringent maritime safety and performance standards.

AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger has described that approval as a game changer, making marine battery technology more affordable and driving adoption.

He says the order by the Grimaldi Group highlights the growing demand for its battery solutions and the role they can play in the journey to more sustainability in the marine transport sector

“With high profile deals with major players in the maritime world like Grimaldi, AYK continues to demonstrate how battery technology is evolving and becoming more powerful, more advanced and more competitive,” says Kruger..

“AYK’s battery solutions help shipping operators like Grimaldi improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition toward more sustainable maritime transport.

“We all want to see fewer emissions and green shipping. But batteries will only be part of the decarbonization agenda if ship owners see the return on investment. There has to be a compelling business case.

“And that’s what the range of batteries that AYK can now offer is all about – the mass adoption of batteries that can pay for themselves within a matter of years.”