Foreship enables world-first dual chemistry battery system

In a groundbreaking development for maritime sustainability, Foreship is collaborating with Wasaline to implement a revolutionary battery upgrade on the MV Aurora Botnia. This world-first retrofit will boost the ferry’s energy storage capacity nearly sixfold, significantly reducing annual CO₂ emissions by up to 23%. The project marks a significant step forward in hybrid technology for ro-pax ferries, showcasing a unique combination of battery chemistries.

Transformative Battery Upgrade Enhances Efficiency

Foreship’s extensive partnership with Wasaline dates back to the initial design phase of the MV Aurora Botnia. The consultancy has provided vital technical and strategic support throughout the retrofit process. This included a thorough feasibility study that assessed the technical impacts, emissions modeling, and cost analysis. Following this, Foreship assisted with supplier evaluations, classification design, engineering support, and implementation.

Joonatan Haukilehto, Head of New Technologies at Foreship, emphasized the project’s ambitious nature, stating, “This is one of the most technically ambitious hybrid conversions yet attempted on a ro-pax ferry.” The innovative retrofit integrates high-power NMC batteries with energy-dense LFP batteries, leveraging the strengths of both types without necessitating major alterations to the vessel’s electrical infrastructure. This dual-battery approach is reportedly a first in maritime retrofit history.

The upgrade will increase the ferry’s total battery capacity from 2.2 MWh to an impressive 12.6 MWh. Scheduled for commissioning in early 2026, the enhanced battery system will be recharged using renewable shore electricity during port stays. This setup is expected to meet up to 20% of the vessel’s total energy demand, improving energy efficiency across its more than 1,000 annual voyages. The LNG-fueled powerplant will operate at peak efficiency, utilizing the minimum number of generating sets, while quayside power usage remains zero emissions due to existing shore power infrastructure.

Strategic Compliance and Future Opportunities

Foreship has also played a crucial role in optimizing the retrofit for commercial and regulatory compliance. By aligning emissions modeling with the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, the consultancy demonstrated how the new battery capacity, combined with existing LNG and bio-LNG fuel use, could ensure compliance through the 2040s. This strategic approach also opens avenues for Wasaline to sell surplus emission allowances.

Peter Ståhlberg, Managing Director of Wasaline, remarked on the significance of this upgrade, stating, “From the beginning, Aurora Botnia was built to evolve, and Foreship has been with us at every step of that journey.” He noted that the integration of advanced battery solutions and the maximization of clean shore power usage are pivotal in achieving their 2030 climate goals, proving the viability of sustainable ferry transport.

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Foreship plans to continue its support during the detailed engineering, installation, and commissioning phases, providing technical oversight, site supervision, and functional integration assistance. With over a decade of experience in battery and hybrid system design for various vessels, Foreship has completed more than 60 battery system projects, reinforcing its position as a leader in maritime innovation.

Lauri Haavisto, CEO of Foreship Group Ltd., concluded, “This project demonstrates what is possible when owners take a strategic approach to compliance and decarbonization. With careful planning and the right partner, retrofit does not mean compromise; it can unlock lasting competitive advantage.”