EST-Floattech has been awarded a contract by Dutch system integrator Van Tiem Elektro to provide Octopus High Energy battery systems for a new series of 15 river cruise ships. This venture involves outfitting the vessels at De Gerlien van Tiem in Druten and Vahali Shipyards in Ghent for various operators, including AmaWaterways and Uniworld.
Each vessel is set to have 650 kWh of installed battery capacity, contributing to a total project capacity of approximately 9.7 MWh. This order marks one of EST-Floattech’s most significant contracts in the river cruise sector.
The partnership between EST-Floattech and Van Tiem Elektro has flourished over previous maritime electrification projects. Van Tiem Elektro, located in Wamel, brings experience with the Octopus platform through past installations on tankers and river cruise ships like Solara and Astara.
These Octopus High Energy systems will enable partial electric propulsion, hotel-load support, and emergency backup power for the riverboats. The system is equipped with EST-Floattech’s proprietary cell and module technology, as well as a String Controller allowing for Modbus integration with existing vessel systems. The battery setup has been approved by DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and RINA.
According to Marinus van der Putte, EST-Floattech Sales Manager, the contract is a continuation of their productive collaboration with Van Tiem Elektro, whose expertise in maritime electrification and familiarity with the Octopus platform were instrumental in securing this project.
Work on the initial vessels is already in progress, with outfitting facilities across Europe operating at maximum capacity. Deliveries for the 15-vessel series are set to continue through 2030.
This contract reflects the ongoing investment in electrification within the European river cruise industry, as operators aim to lower emissions and enhance onboard capabilities. The primary operators in this market are mainly Swiss and German, along with companies from the United States and China.
Maarten Soetekouw, Co-Owner of Van Tiem Elektro, described the initiative as one of their largest electrification programs, with 9.7 MWh of battery capacity being installed across the 15 vessels. He emphasized that their engineering team’s experience with the Octopus platform provides a solid foundation for successfully executing a project of this scale, while the existing partnership is expected to pave the way for more collaboration in the future.
For more details on this project, visit CruiseMapper.
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