By
Alex Smith |
Naval architecture and engineering consultancy Foreship is supporting ferry operator Wasaline in delivering a world-first battery upgrade on its vessel Aurora Botnia that will increase energy storage capacity by six times.
The retrofit will be the first to combine two battery chemistries in a hybrid solution and is expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 23 per cent.
Foreship provided comprehensive technical and strategic support for the retrofit, continuing a relationship with Wasaline that began during Aurora Botnia’s initial design phase. The consultancy included a feasibility study covering technical impact evaluation, emissions modelling and cost analysis, followed by supplier evaluation, classification design, engineering support and implementation assistance.
“This is one of the most technically ambitious hybrid conversions yet attempted on a ro-pax ferry,” said Joonatan Haukilehto, head of new technologies at Foreship. “By integrating high-power NMC batteries with energy dense LFP batteries, we have enabled Aurora Botnia to draw on the unique strengths of both battery chemistries. All of this has been achieved without requiring major changes to the vessel’s electrical infrastructure. To our knowledge, it is the first time this dual-battery approach has been realised in a maritime retrofit.”
The upgrade increases the vessel’s total battery capacity from 2.2 megawatt hours to 12.6 megawatt hours. Scheduled for commissioning in early 2026, the enlarged setup will supply up to 20 per cent of the vessel’s total energy demand. This will enable the LNG-fuelled powerplant to operate continuously at its highest efficiency while using the minimum number of generating sets.
Using emissions modelling aligned with the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, Foreship demonstrated how the combination of the new battery capacity with existing LNG and bio-LNG fuel use could enable compliance through to the 2040s. Wasaline will also have opportunities to sell surplus emission allowances.
“From the beginning, Aurora Botnia was built to evolve, and Foreship has been with us at every step of that journey,” said Peter Ståhlberg, managing director of Wasaline. “This latest upgrade represents a significant leap toward our 2030 climate goals. By integrating advanced battery solutions and maximising our use of clean shore power, we are proving that sustainable ferry transport is wholly viable. Foreship’s deep expertise and responsive support have been instrumental in making that a reality.”
Foreship is expected to continue to provide assistance during the detail engineering, installation and commissioning phases, including technical oversight, site supervision and functional integration support.
“This project demonstrates what is possible when owners take a strategic approach to compliance and decarbonisation,” said Lauri Haavisto, CEO of Foreship Group. “With careful planning and the right partner, retrofit does not mean compromise. It can unlock lasting competitive advantage.”