Damen and Echandia’s strategic partnership

(Posted on 17/08/20)

Damen Shipyards and Echandia have announced they have cemented a global partnership, combining Echandia’s DNV-Certified E-LTO energy systems and battery expertise, and Damen’s industry-leading tugboat experience.

The first project will be a fully-electric ship-handling tug – the first of its kind in the world – to service New Zealand’s international trade terminal – the Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL). With this port managing over half of New Zealand’s imports and exports, this is an exciting project for Echandia to undertake.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 will be a zero-emissions derivation of the IMO Tier III-ready RSD Tug 2513, introduced by Damen in 2018.

Echandia’s E-LTO energy storage system (ESS) is a smart, highly scalable air-cooled modular design system based on Toshiba LTO cells - widely considered the best heavy-duty cell chemistry on the market. The 2.8 MWh ESS is specifically optimised for the RSD-E Tug application and will be type-certified by world-leading testing and certification organization, Bureau Veritas.

Damen has a pioneering reputation for fuel-efficient hybrid tug design, developing both multi-functional standard vessels and custom-built, state-of the-art tugboat designs.

With sustainability playing an increasingly important role in maritime strategy, shipyards recognise the need to accelerate the development of sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions to ensure that they remain competitive.

The Echandia-Damen partnership brings together sophisticated battery technology and deep skills in the shipyard industry with technology strategy and development to bring the next generation of electric tugboats to the global market.?

Speaking about this partnership, Echandia’s CEO, Magnus Eriksson said:

The Damen-Echandia partnership is a powerful one. Damen’s understanding of and experience with the global tugboat market, combined with Echandia’s deep engineering and energy system expertise will result in a whole new market for electric tugboats and speed up the development of world-leading solutions. With over 30 shipyards and related companies worldwide, Damen has a global presence that will allow us to drive far more business impact for our end-users.

Combining cutting-edge technology and precision engineering expertise, Echandia has pioneered the world’s most advanced heavy-duty LTO battery systems, supplying zero-emission energy to the maritime and rail markets. Echandia’s proprietary, lightweight battery racks and system architecture are based on the latest technology and specifically designed for the maritime industry.

Razor-sharp focus has led Echandia to become Toshiba’s preferred maritime module integrator and one of the few global suppliers with the experience, solutions and certification to embark on large projects.