K. Sætre Rederi, a Norway-based coastal shipping company specialising in bulk and general cargo trades, has ordered a fully electric cargo vessel from Royal Bodewes, a Dutch family-owned shipbuilder based in the north of the Netherlands.
The 70-metre RB 3600 Zero-Emission Vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2028 and will operate along Norway’s coastline, transporting products for steel producer 7 Steel Nordic from Mo i Rana.
The ship will have a deadweight of about 3,600 tonnes and be equipped with a 13.3 MWh battery system, giving it a range of more than 270 nautical miles. Electrical integration will be carried out by SEAM, a Norway-based marine electrification company headquartered in Haugesund.
The vessel will sail under the Norwegian flag and operate with Norwegian crew terms and conditions.
“This represents a major technological breakthrough for coastal shipping. With this electric range, we can operate large parts of the Norwegian coastline fully electric without emissions, largely relying on existing charging infrastructure,” said Åge Sætre of K. Sætre Rederi.
Royal Bodewes said the design will feature advanced hull optimisation, smart energy management systems and a high-efficiency propeller to minimise resistance and maximise battery endurance.
The project reflects growing interest among short-sea operators in battery-powered tonnage as regulations tighten and charging infrastructure expands across Northern Europe.
