Amsterdam, 06 November 2025 – EST-Floattech has been selected to deliver its Octopus Lite
battery system for a new series of six General Cargo Vessels. The vessels will be built by Ferus Smit
in the Netherlands for Irish ship operator Arklow Shipping. Working closely with the shipyard, and
with Eekels Technology – the vessels’ electrical systems provider – EST-Floattech designed the
system to fit the sailing profile of the vessels perfectly. This close collaboration provides both
technology and efficiency gains for Arklow Shipping.
Photo of a similar existing general cargo vessel for Arklow, built by Ferus Smit.
The new series of 11,000 DWT general cargo vessels represents another successful chapter in the
ongoing collaboration between Ferus Smit and Arklow Shipping.
The battery systems will support several onboard functions, such as grid stabilization during sailing.
Other functions include loading and offloading operations, in particular when the vessel’s electric
excavator is deployed. The Octopus Lite BESS will also provide power for the bow thruster and enable
zero-emission port stays, improving overall efficiency and reducing CO2 and other emissions across
the vessel’s entire operational profile.
Patrick Kuiper, Mechanical Designer at Ferus Smit Shipyard, says:
“We selected EST-Floattech as our partner, because of their proven battery performance and
excellent service on previous vessel series. Their modular battery system design allows for
capacity upgrades over the vessel’s lifetime, providing the shipowner with added flexibility
and ensuring the vessels remain future-proof.”
Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for 2026, with the final vessel expected to be completed in
2029. Walter van der Pennen, Chief Commercial Officer at EST-Floattech, comments:
“We are grateful for the trust that Ferus Smit, Eekels and Arklow Shipping have put in us. In
general, we see a strong interest among cargo vessel owners to operate more efficiently, and
with lower emissions. With tightening regulations our battery systems, in combination with
modern electric propulsion solutions, help owners reduce fuel consumption and emissions
today, while preparing them for the cleaner, more sustainable shipping of tomorrow.”
