Ships and Port Cranes Can Benefit from Low Emission Solutions via Hybrid Technology

NETHERLANDS – Investment organ the Rotterdam Port Fund (RPF) has taken an interest in EST‐Floattech, a Dutch technology company that develops and supplies energy storage systems for fully electric and hybrid maritime applications as well as mobile land‐based applications. RPF says that EST‐Floattech is one of the leading parties in the field of energy storage systems in the maritime sector worldwide with battery systems based on Li‐NMC cell technology characterised by a very high level of safety and DNV‐GL type approval.

Right through the modern supply chain the (partial) electrification of drive systems plays an important role in the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. Energy storage systems are an essential component in this. In hybrid applications, the storage systems can be used in combination with diesel or LNG engines.

With the environmental benefits evident to all, utilising hybrid technology means the emission of harmful substances (NOx and CO2) is reduced considerably, just like the nuisance caused by smell and engine noise. Depending on the application, significant cost benefits can also be achieved. EST‐Floattech's battery systems are already being used, for example in the new electric multi‐purpose vessels of Rijkswaterstaat, but also in electrically driven excavators.

EST‐Floattech was founded in 2009 and has been part of Ponooc, an investment fund affiliated with the Dutch family group Pon Groep, for the past four years. CEO Trond Skaufel of EST‐Floattech, comments:

"The participation of the Rotterdam Port Fund primarily gives us access to a great port related network. Our energy storage systems cannot only be used for ships, but also, for example, in port cranes and trucks. The environmental benefits are of great importance, particularly in urban areas near ports. Currently, we are also looking at the storage and reuse of energy that is released during the activities of cranes, for instance.

”We also follow the developments in the area of shore power. In terms of technology, we are complementary to some companies within the network of the Rotterdam Port Fund. Conversely, the network of the Pon Groep also provides starting points for the maritime and port‐related industry.''

Photo: The successful launch of first MPV 30 Merwestroom for Rijkswaterstaat.