Deals Counterparts

AYK Energy to supply 16 MWh battery system for Germany's next-generation Polarstern polar research ship

Supply Agreement Storage announced Germany Mar 3, 2026
16 MWh
Capacity
development
Stage
Polarstern
Project

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.

Deal Analysis

AYK Energy has secured a significant supply agreement to provide a 16 MWh Pisces+ battery system to Wärtsilä. This system is destined for Germany’s next-generation Polarstern polar research ship, which is being developed for the Alfred Wegener Institute. The 16 MWh capacity represents a substantial battery installation for a marine vessel, underscoring the strategic importance of advanced energy storage solutions for specialized, high-performance ships. This deal, announced for 2026-03-03, highlights a commitment to cutting-edge technology in marine research and operations. The transaction involves key players in the marine and energy sectors. Wärtsilä, a technology company known for its power solutions in marine markets, acts as the buyer and integrator of AYK Energy's battery system. The ultimate owner, the Alfred Wegener Institute, is developing a state-of-the-art polar research vessel, indicating a demand for robust and reliable power systems. While the deal value remains undisclosed, the contract's nature positions AYK Energy as a key supplier in the evolving marine battery market and reinforces Wärtsilä's role in delivering advanced power solutions. This supply agreement reflects the broader trend towards enhanced energy efficiency and operational capabilities in the marine sector, particularly for demanding applications like polar research.
  • 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

KEY DETAILS

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.

Capacity
a 16 MWh Pisces+ system
Location
for Germany’s next-generation Polarstern polar research ship
COD
support a vessel scheduled to enter service in 2030
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
A
AYK Energy seller

"Marine battery maker AYK Energy has won a contract to supply"

W
Wärtsilä buyer

"with the battery contract signed directly with Wärtsilä"

A
Alfred Wegener Institute developer

"The new Polarstern is being developed for the Alfred Wegener Institute"

medium quality Enriched Mar 3, 2026

Timeline

Announced
Mar 3, 2026
Signed
Closed