Echandia, Sweden’s leading provider of battery systems for the maritime industry, has signed an agreement with Gotlandsbolaget to supply a battery system for a new hybrid high-speed catamaran operating between Visby and Nynäshamn. The battery system is designed for a 20-year service life.

The new vessel, Gotland Horizon X, will have capacity for up to 400 cars and 1,500 passengers, and will be constructed by the Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited. The vessel is expected to be delivered from the shipyard in mid-2028.

OPERATING AT 29 KNOTS
Gotland Horizon X will be capable of operating at 29 knots, which gives a crossing time between Gotland and mainland Sweden of just over three hours. The installed battery system will have a capacity of 780 kWh and is developed to secure efficient hybrid operation through functions such as peak shaving, load leveling, and energy storage and transfer. This allows optimized energy consumption, reduced fuel usage, and lowered emissions during operation.

“This project highlights the strength of the Swedish maritime and technology ecosystem, where new technologies can be developed and become competitive in a global market. Gotland Horizon X builds on a long tradition of combining innovation with continuous fleet development. This led us to search for an Energy Storage System that is both safe and fully flexible, while also providing a long-lasting lifecycle. With Echandia’s battery system, we gain flexibility to continuously optimize operations as we learn from real-world use. Our ambition is not only to reduce emissions, but to build vessels that can evolve over time,” says Jonas Moberg, Head of Newbuildings, Gotlandsbolaget.

BUILT FOR DEMANDING MARINE APPLICATIONS
Echandia’s battery systems are built for demanding marine applications and offer long lifetime performance and high flexibility in power output, combined with an industry-leading number of charge cycles. The solution is designed to meet modern vessel requirements for both performance and sustainability.

“We are proud that Gotlandsbolaget has chosen Echandia as a partner in their continued transition toward more sustainable maritime ferry operations. Our battery is well suited to these hybrid applications, where flexibility in cycling and power outtake is required. Gotlandsbolaget will be able to evolve the operational profile over time as they identify best practices for this specific vessel,” says Torbjörn Bäck, CEO of Echandia.