Recently, Fleetzero, a US-based developer and manufacturer of modular marine batteries, commissioned the American naval architecture firm Glosten to design a hybrid electric vessel that is expected to become the world’s longest-range vessel of its kind.
Fleetzero and Glosten will collaborate to retrofit a Logistics Support Vessel (LSV) owned and operated by AET, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s national shipping company MISC. The retrofit will involve installing Fleetzero’s plug-in hybrid propulsion system. Once the conversion is complete, the vessel will primarily operate on battery power.
The ship design work for this project has already commenced. Fleetzero and Glosten plan to enter the detailed engineering design phase in the coming months, with construction expected to begin around mid-2026.
AET stated that the retrofitted vessel will primarily run on battery power. Compared to a conventionally fueled vessel of the same type, it is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 82% in the tank-to-wake process. Estimates indicate this will help cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,220 tons, while also reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs, all while maintaining safety standards.
Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero, said, “This vessel will be a significant milestone, not just for us, but for the entire maritime industry. The collaboration with Glosten allows us to demonstrate how our propulsion technology can enable more economical, cleaner, and more efficient operations, while also pushing the shipping industry forward.”
Morgan Fanberg, CEO and President of Glosten, added, “We are thrilled to support Fleetzero in retrofitting this vessel. This is a bold step towards a new generation of marine technology, and we are proud to support such progress.”
