Ship battery system maker EST-Floattech bags €4 million investment

By Team IO

The developer of ship battery systems EST-Floattech received an investment of 4 million euros from the Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and other investors. EST-Floattech develops and produces high-quality lithium-ion battery systems for electric and hybrid propulsion of inland vessels, ferries, yachts, and more. Combined with in-house-developed software, the systems provide significant improvements when it comes to CO₂ emissions, fuel costs, noise pollution, and air quality.

Thanks to its modular construction, the new Octopus Series battery system can be installed in virtually any vessel. The in-house-developed battery management system ensures that the batteries operate efficiently and safely. For vessels with high energy requirements but no room for a dedicated battery room, EST-Floattech designs customized battery containers. EST-Floattech is based in Badhoevedorp, the Netherlands, and was founded in 2009.

Great societal importance

The electrification of shipping has great social importance. Inland and maritime shipping account for 16.5 percent of the Netherlands’ CO₂ emissions. Moreover, goods transported by water will increase significantly in the coming years. The EU aims for a 50 percent increase in transport via inland waterways and shorter sea routes by 2050 compared to 2015. For international shipping, volume growth of over 200 percent is even expected between 2023 and 2050. Currently, only 1 percent of the global fleet is electrified, and the sector needs to catch up tremendously to achieve net zero by 2050.

Since January 1, 2024, the European CO₂ emissions trading system EU-ETS has been in place for larger ships, with smaller ships expected to follow in 2026. The increasing costs associated with CO₂ emissions make electrification increasingly interesting within a rapidly growing market. As the second-largest player, there is a great opportunity here for EST-Floattech.

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International growth

Lithium-ion batteries combine low weight with high energy density, low self-discharge, and long life. EST-Floattech’s battery management system monitors charge status, discharge status, temperature, and other parameters to ensure efficient and safe battery operation. Fire safety is critical on ships. At EST-Floattech, safety is the highest priority, and the new Octopus Series battery system has been certified by classification bureaus DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and Bureau Veritas.

For the aluminum housing, insulation material, electronic components, and the racks in which the battery cells are installed, EST-Floattech is working with Dutch partners. The investment will allow EST-Floattech to continue to grow nationally and internationally. The company focuses on market leadership in Northwest Europe and is working with battery manufacturer DuraPower to access Asia and Oceania. EST-Floattech also plans to focus on larger vessels in the future.