Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured a contract to supply power systems for what is described as the world’s first fully electric intercontinental fast ferries, the company said in a statement.
Spanish operator Baleària will run two electric catamarans on the 18-mile route between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, at speeds of up to 26 knots.
AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said the company was “honored to be selected by Baleària as the provider of this advanced battery solution” and acknowledged the support of its Spanish agent Vulkan Española, led by Jose Ignacio Cuenca. Kruger added that AYK’s “high quality, safe and cost-effective solutions” would enable zero-emission operation in line with Spain’s transport decarbonization priorities.
According to AYK Energy, it is among the few manufacturers producing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries using a process designed for high safety, reliability, and lifespan compared to Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) types.
The company said the transition to electric and hybrid vessels was “accelerating rapidly,” and that its partnership with Baleària marked an important milestone in advancing sustainable maritime transport.
The twin fast ferries are being built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón and will each carry 225 vehicles and 804 passengers.
Pablo Garcia, Baleària’s New Projects Director, said AYK’s batteries would allow the route to operate entirely on electric energy, describing the initiative as “pioneering, innovative, and technologically advanced.”
Each ferry will have 13.8 MWh of electric power generated by four propulsion units. Robotic arms in Tangier and Tarifa will link the vessels to onshore power systems, enabling full recharging within 40 minutes.
AYK Energy is a privately held marine battery manufacturer headquartered in Andorra. The company was founded in 2018 by Chris Kruger, who previously developed the first marine type-approved battery in 2013. AYK Energy focuses on lithium-based energy storage systems for maritime applications and is known for its use of Lithium Iron Phosphate technology.
Baleària is a Spanish shipping company, specializing in passenger and cargo ferry services. The company operates routes connecting mainland Spain with the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and North Africa.
Armon Shipyard is a Spanish shipbuilding company with facilities in Gijón and other locations, operating under the name Astilleros Armon S.A. It builds a variety of vessels including ferries, tugs, offshore, and research ships.
