05/04/2026
AYK Energy Hits Major Milestone: World’s First Battery-Methanol Harbour Tug Completes Sea Trials
GÖTEBORG, Sweden / ZHUHAI, China – Marine battery specialist AYK Energy has announced a breakthrough in workboat electrification following the successful sea trials of what it calls the world’s first battery-methanol hybrid harbour tug.
The vessel, named Svitzer Balder, was built by Turkey’s Uzmar Shipyard and will soon be delivered to the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden. According to AYK Energy, the tug can perform over 90% of its towing and docking operations using battery-electric power alone, operating in near-zero-emission mode.
Described as the most powerful electric escort tug to date, Svitzer Balder is designed for both harbour duties and demanding near-open ocean operations. It is the fifth Svitzer vessel to be equipped with AYK’s battery systems.
A 6 MWh Powerhouse with 10-Year Lifespan
AYK supplied the vessel with an ABS-certified Aries A 6 MWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery system, rated for a service life of approximately 10 years. The company also provided technical support throughout the sea trials.
“This project proves that marine battery technology is evolving rapidly – becoming more powerful, more advanced, and more competitive,” said Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy. “With volatile oil prices, battery power is offering an increasingly attractive safe harbour for vessel operators.”
Kruger emphasized that LFP chemistry was key to the project’s success. “LFP delivers the energy density and horsepower the industry demands at significantly lower cost, and it’s far safer than the more combustible NMC chemistry.”
Hybrid Design: Batteries Plus Methanol
Svitzer Balder features a transverse tug design developed by Svitzer, pairing its battery system with dual-fuel methanol engines. The methanol engines serve as backup power and extend the vessel’s operational range, offering flexibility without compromising emissions goals.
AYK reports growing demand for its battery systems across a wide range of vessel types, including ferries, cruise ships, fishing vessels, workboats, and container ships.
Automated Production in Zhuhai
The tug’s battery system was manufactured at AYK’s automated facility in Zhuhai, China, which opened in 2023. The plant currently has an annual production capacity of 300 MWh, scalable to 1 GWh.
With Svitzer Balder now ready for delivery, AYK Energy says the project sets a new benchmark for hybrid and electric workboats worldwide – proving that safe, powerful, and cost-effective battery solutions are ready for mainstream adoption.
About AYK Energy
AYK Energy designs and manufactures advanced marine battery systems for commercial vessels, with a focus on safety, longevity, and performance. The company’s Aries series batteries are ABS-certified and used in tugs, ferries, fishing vessels, and more.