Eitzen Avanti has secured NOK 200 million (approximately $19 million) in funding from Enova, a Norwegian state-owned enterprise that supports environmentally sustainable energy solutions. The funding will support the construction of two 850 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) all-electric containerships.
These new vessels are designed to operate on routes between Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Each ship will be equipped with a battery pack exceeding 100 megawatt-hours (MWh), positioning them as frontrunners in the global push for low-emission maritime transport. The vessels are intended to serve short-sea shipping corridors and aim to demonstrate the scalability of battery-powered solutions for container operations.
Andreas Jahn, senior advisor for maritime transport at Enova, highlighted the significance of the project: “These projects show in their own way what is possible with battery electrification in shipping. The technology is now mature and the projects exist.” He added: “If electrification of car ferries was the first wave, we hope that this will be the start of the second wave of electrification in short sea shipping.”
Currently, the largest battery-powered containership in operation is the Greenwater 01, developed by COSCO. This 700 TEU fully electric ship entered service in April 2024 and operates along the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanjing. Its battery capacity stands at 50,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), expandable to 80,000 kWh.
Further reflecting the industry’s shift toward electrification, Ningbo Ocean Shipping Co (NBOSCO) placed an order in May 2024 for two 740 TEU battery-electric feeder vessels for China’s coastal trade. These ships are scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Eitzen’s planned newbuilds represent a step forward in the application of battery technology to larger container vessels operating on regional routes. Specifics regarding the shipyard, timeline, and delivery schedule for Eitzen’s vessels have not yet been announced.
The project aligns with broader efforts to reduce emissions from maritime transport and indicates growing confidence in battery-electric technology for larger commercial vessels. Eitzen Group’s initiative, supported by Enova, is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable short-sea shipping in Northern Europe.
