AYK Energy has signed a second deal with Spanish shipowner Mureloil to supply battery systems for chemical tankers, as it continues to push electric and hybrid propulsion beyond ferries and workboats and into the tanker market.
Under the agreement, AYK will supply a 4.2 MWh Aries+ battery system for the 8,000 dwt product tanker Bahía Beatriz, which is under construction at Astilleros de Murueta near Bilbao. The deal follows the installation of the same system on the vessel’s sister ship, Bahía Candela.
AYK said the two tankers will operate with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, enabling greenhouse gas emissions to be cut by up to 50% during sailing. While in port, the vessels will be able to operate on full electric power, eliminating emissions during port operations.
Founder Chris Kruger said the agreement was signed following a visit to AYK’s Zhuhai manufacturing facility in China and confirmed that AYK’s Spanish agent, VULKAN, will support installation of the battery system.
The two vessels will also double Mureloil’s capacity to transport biofuels and methanol, strengthening the owner’s exposure to the alternative fuels market.
Kruger said the deal highlights growing interest in battery systems as shipowners face tightening environmental regulations, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System.
AYK said the battery system uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which it argues offers safety and performance advantages for marine applications. The company received DNV type approval for its latest battery range earlier this year.
AYK said demand for marine batteries continues to rise as owners look for practical options to cut emissions and manage regulatory compliance.
