KATHMANDU: China’s leading electric vehicle battery maker, CATL, is expanding into battery-powered ships as part of its next growth strategy, building on its expertise in EV battery technology, according to Nikkei Asia.
CATL said its ship-focused subsidiary, Contemporary Amperex Electric Ship Technology (CAES), has delivered systems for nearly 900 electric-ship projects, mainly for inland vessels such as cargo ships and pleasure boats operating on rivers and canals. CAES was established in 2022.
The company is now targeting ocean going vessels and plans to begin trial operations of fully electric ships on open seas within the next three years. CAES develops battery systems and control technologies for both fully electric and hybrid ships.
CAES offers lithium-iron phosphate batteries and claims its systems can reduce power consumption by over 30% through optimized energy management. It also provides a battery swapping service, allowing depleted battery containers to be replaced in about 15 minutes at port facilities.
In August 2024, CAES began test operations of a battery-powered cargo ship capable of carrying 2,000 tons with a range of 230 kilometers on a full charge. Five similar ships were delivered in December to operate on China’s Grand Canal.
The move comes as the global shipping industry pushes for de-carbonization, with stricter emissions rules under discussion at the International Maritime Organization. The global market for electrified ships is expected to grow from USD 4.8 billion in 2025 to USD 18.3 billion by 2032.
CATL currently holds nearly 40% of the global EV battery market and claims a similar share in ship batteries. The company says it will continue expanding its battery technology into sectors such as shipping and air transportation.
