AYK Energy has expanded its presence in the marine battery sector with the installation of its Aries+S system on the world’s first battery-powered self‑unloading bulk carrier.
The company is working with Wärtsilä to supply CSL Australia’s new 11,000 DWT MV Yampu, currently under construction at Jiangjiang Nanyang Shipyard in China. The 6,758 kWh Aries+S system is preparing for sea trials following the vessel’s recent naming ceremony.
The battery installation forms a key part of the ship’s hybrid diesel‑electric power set‑up. Around half of the vessel’s energy needs will be met through a mix of shore power and onboard battery storage, with the design offering a route towards fully electric operation in the future.
AYK founder and President Chris Kruger said the project represents a major milestone for battery‑powered bulk shipping, adding: “Collaboration with Wärtsilä was central to this project’s success and we’d like to thank them and CSL for trusting AYK to provide the battery system. We are very proud to work on this groundbreaking bulk cargo vessel design and provide a battery with the highest standards of safety, quality and performance. We have listened to industry and developed our range to deliver both higher energy density which is ideal for ferries, workboats and tugs. And at the same time we’re innovating systems that strikes a balance between power and energy density which works better for hybrid applications. AYK is now offering the widest range of system choices in the maritime industry.”
The MV Yampu contract adds to AYK’s growing list of major installations, including hybrid ferries and specialist vessels across Europe. The company is also supplying Wärtsilä with a 16 MWh system for Germany’s new ice‑class polar research ship, Polarstern, due for delivery in 2028.
CSL will operate the MV Yampu for Adbri Cement in South Australia, replacing the Accolade II. The new vessel will transport up to 2.7 million tonnes of limestone annually, increasing carrying capacity by 35%.
Image: MV Yampu Credit: CSL Ships
