#Denmark #Echandia #Battery System #E/F Ellen #Ærø

Echandia Partners with Ærøfærgerne for Ferry Battery Upgrade

Echandia, the pioneering Swedish company known for revolutionary battery systems, has been awarded a contract to supply a cutting-edge battery system for E/F Ellen, a long-range pure electric ferry operated by Ærøfærgerne in Denmark. The ferry, renowned for being the world's first long-range electric vessel, has been in operation since 2019 and stands as a symbol of zero-emission transport.

Project Overview

In an exciting development, Echandia will replace the existing 4.3 MWh NMC battery system in Ellen with a state-of-the-art 3.2 MWh LTO (Lithium-Titanate Oxide) battery system. This new technology is engineered to ensure a remarkable lifespan of 15 years and offers high-performance capabilities, including the ability to support multiple fast-charging cycles daily.

Allan Filtenborg, a representative from Ærøfærgerne, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, "We see them as a trusted partner with a well-suited battery system for this type of application. The Echandia solution meets our requirements for long lifetime, high roundtrip efficiency, and maximum safety."

Advantages of the New Battery System

Echandia's LTO technology is ideally suited for the demanding operations of high-frequency ferry services. With the capacity to handle very high C-rates, the new system can achieve over 20,000 charge cycles and recharge in approximately 25 minutes—an improvement of 10 minutes per session compared to the previous battery. This enhancement not only boosts operational efficiency but also reinforces the commitment to sustainability in maritime transport.

Historical Context

The original NMC battery system, which has now reached eight years of age, showed signs of uneven wear and declining capacity, prompting this upgrade. E/F Ellen plays a vital role in providing passenger service between the Danish mainland and the island of Ærø, highlighting the importance of maintaining exceptional service standards.

Future Operations

The implementation of this new battery system is confirmed for May 2026, with Echandia promising to deliver and commission a complete optimized battery system within a six-month window. Torbjörn Bäck, CEO of Echandia, noted, "This project demonstrates Echandia's knowledge and other capabilities as an established marine supplier. We will ensure the vessel is ready for summer operations in 2026."

The switch to newer technology not only affirms the technical and economic feasibility of modernizing older systems, but it also underscores the maritime industry's shift towards more sustainable practices.

About Echandia

Founded in 2018, Echandia has swiftly emerged as a global leader in marine battery systems, delivering over 100 systems worldwide to support electrification projects. With its headquarters in Sweden, the company is on a mission to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact within maritime operations. As they continue to innovate and expand their reach, Echandia is a key player in the transition towards a greener maritime industry.

For more information on Echandia and its systems, visit www.echandia.com.