AYK Energy has obtained DNV type approval for its comprehensive new line of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) marine batteries, including the Pisces, Pisces +, OrionAN, OrionAN +, and updated aluminum-variant legacy modules. This approval allows the company to commence broader production and deployment across a range of vessels—such as ferries, tugs, workboats, superyachts, tankers, and container ships, at a lower cost while maintaining high performance.

Founder Chris Kruger described the DNV certification as a “game changer” that significantly reduces cost barriers and accelerates market adoption. One of the first flagship installations is a 10.4 MWh Pisces + battery pack aboard the hybrid Ropax ferry Aurora Botnia, currently serving the Finland–Sweden route operated by Wasaline. Earlier this year, AYK installed 12 MWh Orion+ systems on Brittany Ferries’ hybrid-electric vessels Guillaume de Normandie and Saint-Malo, enabling zero-emission operations during port maneuvers.

These installations exemplify the expanding utility of marine batteries in meeting stricter environmental regulations across major ports globally, ranging from Rotterdam and Antwerp to Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Singapore. Such regulatory pressure, combined with emission trading and FuelEU Maritime mandates, makes zero-emission battery systems increasingly essential.

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Concurrently, Germany’s Lehmann Marine, in collaboration with Greece’s Sunlight Group, has introduced the AQUBE battery system—a compact and modular LFP solution featuring continuous 2C charge/discharge capability and advanced water-cooling. AQUBE builds upon Lehmann’s proven CUBE and COBRA platforms, offering scalability up to 1,000 VDC per string, integrated battery management systems, pre-charge units, and custom racking.

Water cooling enhances thermal stability and performance during high-power cycles, making AQUBE particularly well suited for electric and hybrid propulsion on ferries, container feeders, offshore support vessels, and other power-intensive applications. LFP chemistry further enhances onboard safety by releasing only gas in thermal events rather than fire, a crucial advantage within enclosed ship environments.

Lehmann plans to scale AQUBE’s annual production to 300 MWh by mid‑2026, leveraging Sunlight’s global network of over 200 field engineers to support installation and maintenance worldwide. The system was unveiled at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo in Amsterdam on June 24–26, 2025.

Both AYK and Lehmann Marine’s initiatives represent critical advances in marine electrification. DNV approval sets a new benchmark of reliability and safety for large-capacity battery systems, making zero-emission operations viable for high-demand vessels. Meanwhile, AQUBE’s water-cooled, high-power design addresses the dual challenges of efficiency and safety in harsh marine environments. Together, these developments pave the way for accelerated adoption of clean battery propulsion, reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and stricter compliance with global maritime regulations.

These innovations mark a shift from pilot projects to scalable, mainstream battery integration, signaling a clear momentum toward a greener future for maritime transportation.