en.Wedoany.com Reported - Battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured an order to supply its 2,073 kWh OrionAN marine batteries for nine ROPAX vessels in the Grimaldi Group's fleet renewal program.
These new vessels are being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) and are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Among them, six ships will be deployed in the Mediterranean, operating under the brands Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines, while the remaining three will be assigned to Finnlines for use in the Baltic Sea. Key features of these vessels include reduced environmental impact, achieved through the use of methanol-capable multi-fuel engines, combined with modern hull design, efficient propeller design, shore power connection, and waste heat recovery systems. The high-performance OrionAN marine batteries provided by AYK will play a significant role in enhancing the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the new ships.
The OrionAN marine batteries supplied by AYK belong to its latest series, which received type approval from DNV last year, reinforcing their compliance with stringent maritime safety and performance standards. AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger described this certification as a game-changer, making marine battery technology more affordable and driving adoption. He stated that the Grimaldi Group order highlights the growing demand for its battery solutions and their role in advancing sustainable maritime transportation. Kruger also noted that through high-profile deals with major market players like Grimaldi, AYK continues to demonstrate how battery technology is evolving to become more powerful, advanced, and competitive. He added: "We all want to see fewer emissions and greener shipping. But batteries can only become part of the decarbonization agenda when shipowners see a return on investment. There must be a compelling business case. And that's exactly what the battery series AYK now offers is all about—large-scale adoption of batteries that can pay for themselves within a few years."
