Chinese car battery manufacturers target maritime with ESS tie-ups

Global battery-making goliaths, China’s BYD and EVE Energy, have both done deals with maritime battery makers to bring their batteries to seagoing vessels.

BYD Energy Storage, currently ranking as the second-largest car battery manufacturer in the world, is investing in maritime energy storage system (ESS) manufacturer Corvus Energy.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a "strategic collaboration aimed at advancing next-generation battery solutions for the maritime sector".

"The MoU strengthens the co-operative relationship between the two companies by combining BYD Energy Storage’s scale and technological leadership in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo₄ or LFP) batteries with Corvus Energy’s unparalleled expertise in marine energy storage systems (ESS) applications. Together, BYD Energy Storage and Corvus will work to accelerate product development, enhance global market reach, and deliver innovative, safe and high-efficiency energy storage solutions for the global shipping industry," the deal said.

Under the agreement, BYD Energy Storage and Corvus Energy will aim to work together in the global maritime battery market to accelerate the adoption of marine energy storage systems. Corvus Energy is bringing its specialism in ESS for maritime and its maritime customer base to the deal.

Some of Corvus Energy’s highest-profile projects include the world’s largest fully-electric vessel and fast ferry, with 42 MWh of Dolphin Energy ESS, built by Incat for South-American operator Buquebus and set to be commissioned by year-end and start service in early 2026.

And powering the world’s first fully electric offshore vessel, an electric commissioning service operation vessel with nearly 25 MWh of LFP-based energy storage, Blue Whale is the largest LFP battery system yet supplied to a maritime project.

“This MoU represents a significant step forward in our ambition to remain the market leader in high-quality marine battery systems,” Corvus Energy head of EMEA and Asia Ole Jacob Irgens said. “By combining Corvus’ deep maritime understanding and extensive experience in marine battery installations with BYD Energy Storage’s scalability, innovation in LFP technology, and strong global supply chain, we are well-positioned to bring new products to market faster and meet the evolving needs of the shipping industry.”

Another Europe-based maritime battery business, Netherlands-headquartered Green Whale Technology, has signed a strategic partnership with China’s EVE Energy.

EVE Energy is a major supplier to several global automotive manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, GM, Hyundai, Kia and others.

The alliance introduces a DNV-certified marine battery energy storage system, and the two companies, EVE Energy and GWT, have already delivered the first Bureau Veritas-classed marine battery container ever built in Asia. 
GWT has offices in the Netherlands, Norway and China and said both companies aim to accelerate the future of marine electrification and service to customers worldwide. GWT and EVE are currently working in the tanker, container, heavy lift, port, offshore, aquaculture, shortsea shipping and yachting markets.