Dutch maritime technology company Wattlab has launched a standardised battery energy storage system for inland shipping that it says can be installed aboard vessels in a single working day.
The new WEstack system is designed to reduce the cost and complexity of battery adoption in the inland shipping sector by replacing bespoke installations with a factory-assembled, pre-tested solution.
According to the Rotterdam-based company, conventional marine battery systems are often custom engineered and can require weeks of installation work. WEstack is assembled and tested at Wattlab’s facilities before delivery, requiring only onboard connection once installed.
The company said the approach could help accelerate decarbonisation across the inland shipping industry, where diesel generators typically operate at low loads for extended periods.
“Generators on vessels operate most of the time at only 10 to 15 percent of their capacity,” said Bo Salet, founder and chief executive officer of Wattlab. “That is extremely inefficient. At low loads, a generator consumes relatively large amounts of fuel. By adding a battery pack, the generator can charge the battery at its optimal operating point, after which the battery supplies power to the vessel.”
Wattlab: WEstack can reduce generator operating hours by up to 80-90%
Wattlab said WEstack can reduce generator operating hours by up to 80–90%, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance requirements and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The company added that the system can also improve onboard comfort by reducing noise, vibration and exhaust emissions while decreasing reliance on shore power.
The battery system is available in four capacities: 100kWh, 200kWh, 300kWh and 400kWh. Wattlab said standardisation allows faster production and installation while reducing costs compared with custom-built alternatives.
WEstack is designed for installation on the aft deck and can be used in both newbuild and retrofit projects. The company said the system is suitable for a range of inland vessels, including dry cargo ships, tankers and smaller coastal vessels.
Beyond fuel savings, Wattlab believes battery systems will play an increasing role in helping operators meet tightening environmental requirements in ports and waterways.
“More and more ports want to reduce emissions and noise pollution,” said Salet. “With a battery system, vessels can operate silently and emission-free for much longer periods without relying on shore power.”
Founded in 2017, Wattlab initially focused on solar energy systems for the maritime sector and has supplied solar installations for inland vessels. The company is also developing Solar Flatrack systems for seagoing ships.
Salet said battery storage offers a practical route to reducing emissions while alternative marine fuels remain expensive and limited in availability.
“Alternative fuels are likely to remain scarce and expensive for the foreseeable future,” he said. “That is why we believe energy efficiency is the fastest and most cost-effective route to reducing emissions in the sector.”
