Echandia Secures Contract to Upgrade E/F Ellen’s Battery System

Echandia has been selected to provide a state-of-the-art battery system for the E/F Ellen, a pioneering electric ferry operated by Ærøfærgerne in Denmark. This upgrade will see Echandia supply a 3.2 MWh Lithium-Titanate Oxide (LTO) battery system, replacing the vessel’s current 4.3 MWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) system. Engineered for a robust 15-year lifespan, the new LTO system is designed to handle numerous rapid charging cycles daily with exceptional efficiency.

Allan Filtenborg of Ærøfærgerne expressed satisfaction with the selection, stating, “We are very pleased that Echandia has secured the tender. Their battery system is well-suited for this type of ferry operation. The solution meets our requirements for long lifetime, high efficiency, and maximum safety.”

Echandia’s LTO technology is ideally suited for the demanding operational profile of RoPax ferries on high-frequency routes, where swift turnaround times and consistent uptime are paramount. The LTO batteries are capable of extremely high charge rates, supporting over 20,000 charge cycles and enabling a full recharge in approximately 25 minutes – about 10 minutes faster than the previous system.

The E/F Ellen, launched in 2019, marked a significant milestone as the world’s first long-range, purely electric ferry, advancing the cause of zero-emission passenger transportation. The vessel currently serves the route between the island of Ærø and the Danish mainland. After eight years of dedicated service, the original NMC battery system requires replacement due to wear and a decrease in capacity. Following a competitive tender process, Ærøfærgerne has chosen Echandia as its trusted supplier for this crucial upgrade. The E/F Ellen is scheduled to return to service with its enhanced battery system in May 2026.

“This project underscores Echandia’s proven expertise as a marine battery supplier,” commented Torbjörn Bäck, CEO of Echandia. “We are committed to delivering and commissioning the complete battery system within a six-month timeframe, ensuring that the Ellen is fully operational and ready for the summer season in 2026.”

This strategic upgrade demonstrates the technical feasibility and economic viability of replacing older battery systems with modern, advanced solutions. The new Echandia LTO system promises extended service life, superior efficiency, and enhanced safety, further solidifying the E/F Ellen’s position as a leader in sustainable maritime transport.

Echandia to supply new battery system for electric ferry Ellen