AYK Energy to supply 16 MWh battery system for Germany's next-generation Polarstern polar research ship
Marine battery maker AYK Energy has won a contract to supply a 16 MWh Pisces+ battery system to Wärtsilä for Germany’s next-generation Polarstern polar research ship, which is being developed for the Alfred Wegener Institute.
Counterparts (3)
Deal Analysis
- Supply of a 16 MWh battery system, a considerable capacity for a marine vessel.
- Involvement of prominent industry players: AYK Energy (supplier), Wärtsilä (buyer/integrator), and Alfred Wegener Institute (owner).
- Deployment in Germany's next-generation Polarstern polar research ship, indicating advanced technological requirements.
- Reinforces the growing market for marine battery storage solutions.
Source Intelligence
Battery system will weigh 131 tonnes, be delivered in 2028. The Pisces+ pack will be the core of Polarstern’s hybrid diesel-electric power architecture, enabling peak shaving, load optimization, and lower-emission operation during sensitive scientific work. Battery power is also expected to reduce noise and vibration, which can interfere with research activities. The vessel is an ice-class vessel designed for year-round Arctic and Antarctic operations, including extended missions in heavy ice. Wärtsilä is described as the world’s largest marine electrical integrator for hybrid propulsion systems.
"Marine battery maker AYK Energy has won a contract to supply"
"with the battery contract signed directly with Wärtsilä"
"The new Polarstern is being developed for the Alfred Wegener Institute"
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