Electrification Shipping on Track with €4M Investment in EST-Floattech

EST-Floattech Octopus Series battery room

PUBLISHED FEB 20, 2024 7:45 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

[By: EST-Floattech]

Developer of maritime battery systems EST-Floattech receives an investment of 4 million euros from Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and existing shareholders Rotterdam Port Fund, PDENH, Ponooc, and Yard Energy. This was announced by Chantal Zeegers, the Alderman for Climate, Building, and Housing in Rotterdam. The ‘Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam’ is the investment fund of the municipality of Rotterdam.

EST-Floattech develops and produces high-quality lithium-ion battery systems for electric and hybrid propulsion of inland vessels, ferries, yachts, and more. Combined with in-house-developed software, the systems provide significant improvements when it comes to CO2 emissions, fuel costs, noise pollution, and air quality. Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam is investing 3 million euros, the fund's first investment in maritime battery systems. The existing shareholders are jointly investing 1 million euros.

An example of cooperation in the maritime ecosystem
As fund manager of Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and investor in Rotterdam Port Fund, InnovationQuarter is closely involved in the investment. Rotterdam Port Fund is a private investment fund focused on innovation in the port sector. The fund played an important role in the realization of the transaction, which exemplifies the close cooperation within the South Holland maritime cluster. EST- Floattech contributes to this ecosystem through their many Rotterdam customers, including Damen and KOTUG. Innovation in electrification aligns with both the Regional Maritime Agenda 2030 and the Regional Energy Strategy for Rotterdam/ The Hague.

Great societal importance
The electrification of shipping has great social importance. Inland and maritime shipping together account for 16.5% of the Netherlands' CO2 emissions. Moreover, goods transported by water will increase significantly in the coming years. The EU is aiming for a 50% increase in transport via inland waterways and shorter sea routes by 2050 compared to 2015. For international shipping, volume growth of over 200% is even expected between 2023 and 2050. Currently, only 1% of the global fleet is electrified, and the sector needs to catch up tremendously to achieve net zero by 2050.

Since January 1 st , 2024, the European CO2 emissions trading system EU-ETS has been in place for larger ships, with smaller ships expected to follow in 2026. The increasing costs associated with CO2 emissions make electrification increasingly interesting within a rapidly growing market. As the second- largest player, there is a great opportunity here for EST-Floattech.

International growth
Lithium-ion batteries combine low weight with high energy density, low self-discharge, and long life. EST-Floattech's battery management system monitors charge status, discharge status, temperature, and other parameters to ensure efficient and safe battery operation. Fire safety is critical on ships. At EST-Floattech, safety is the highest priority, and the new Octopus Series battery system has been certified by classification bureaus DNV, Lloyd's Register, and Bureau Veritas.

For the aluminum housing, insulation material, electronic components, and the racks in which the battery cells are installed, EST-Floattech is working with Dutch partners. The investment will allow EST- Floattech to continue to grow nationally and internationally. The company is focusing on market leadership in Northwest Europe and is working with battery manufacturer DuraPower for access to Asia and Oceania. EST-Floattech also plans to focus on larger vessels in the future.

Joep Gorgels, CFO and CBDO of EST-Floattech: "The investment of Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam and the current shareholders in EST-Floattech not only brings new capital, which helps us take the next step towards growth, it also shows that the Netherlands believes in the power of innovation and sustainable energy. With InnovationQuarter, we have added a new partner, and together with Ponooc, Yard Energy, Rotterdam Port Fund, and PDENH, we continue to build a future in which we contribute to making the maritime industry more sustainable."

Chantal Zeegers, the Alderman for Climate, Building, and Housing in Rotterdam: "Rotterdam attracts companies that dare to invest in the energy transition. We are seeing this with EST-Floattech. Their innovative battery technology for ships contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions in a sector where there is much to be gained. It is incredibly nice that through the Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam we can support companies like this."