Foreship enables world-first dual chemistry battery system to boost zero-emission power for Wasaline
Naval architecture and engineering consultancy Foreship is supporting Wasaline in delivering a breakthrough battery upgrade on MV Aurora Botnia that will see the ferry’s energy storage capacity increase nearly sixfold. The world-first retrofit will combine two battery chemistries in a hybrid solution that is expected to cut annual CO₂ emissions by up to 23%.
Building on a long-standing relationship with Wasaline that began during the vessel’s initial design phase, Foreship provided comprehensive technical and strategic support for the retrofit. The work included an extensive feasibility study covering technical impact evaluation, emissions modelling and cost analysis, later followed by supplier evaluation, classification design, engineering support, and implementation assistance.
“This is one of the most technically ambitious hybrid conversions yet attempted on a ro-pax ferry,” said Joonatan Haukilehto, Head of New Technologies at Foreship. “By integrating high-power NMC batteries with energy dense LFP batteries, we have enabled Aurora Botnia to draw on the unique strengths of both battery chemistries. All of this has been achieved without requiring major changes to the vessel’s electrical infrastructure. To our knowledge, it is the first time this dual-battery approach has been realized in a maritime retrofit.”
The upgrade increases the vessel’s total battery capacity from 2.2 MWh to 12.6 MWh. Scheduled for commissioning in early 2026, and recharged by renewable shore electricity during port stays, the enlarged battery setup will supply up to 20% of the vessel’s total energy demand. This will deliver enhanced energy efficiency throughout its 1,000-plus annual voyages by enabling the LNG-fueled powerplant to operate continuously at its highest efficiency, while using the minimum number of generating sets. Quayside power use is already zero emissions, thanks to the shore power infrastructure at both ports of call.
