Report

Global electric ship market is projected to witness a CAGR of 15.28% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 5.01 billion in 2023 to USD 15.63 billion in 2031. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years.
Shipping is one of the most affordable, safe, and secure ways of transporting cargo, passengers, and industrial goods. Major components of the ship such as the engine, transmission, and generators have constantly transformed over the years. Even before the advent of full or hybrid electric propulsion, diesel-electric engines powered cargo ships with electricity, saving fuel and maintenance costs. However, it was still not the complete electrification of ships and vessels. The successful deployment of hybrid and fully electric systems is becoming possible with the advent of rechargeable batteries and advanced diesel generators. UN Conference on Trade and Development stated that ships transport almost 80% of the world's commodities. With these many ships in oceans, they produce vast amounts of exhaust gases like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, fine dust, and soot particles. Hence, governments across the globe are focusing on transitioning to ships with lower emission or electric propulsion systems.
For instance, in November 2023, the Goal Zero consortium, spearheaded by SeaTech Solutions, a Singapore-based firm launched the country's first fully electric cargo ship. Yinson GreenTech headed the program management, system solutions, and shift clean energy as the battery technology partner.
Zero Emissions and Increased Cargo Carrying Capacity Driving Electric Ship Market
Climate change, increasing sea waste, and adverse conditions of sea creatures have become a serious concern for authorities, cargo transportation businesses, and environmental organizations. Electric ships with zero emissions, battery-based propulsion, and constantly increasing carrying capacity are expected to change the market dynamics. The advanced transmission and power-generating systems also utilize intelligent control modules to ensure maximum efficiency. The expanding global shipment industry with the advent of e-commerce marketplaces is expected to adopt highly efficient and green technology for their future operations. Furthermore, the long-range of verticals of the electric ship market is expected to increase new opportunities for the market. The advent of long-distance transport ships with advanced battery systems and increased carrying capacities add value to market dynamics. Rapid battery cost reduction will also likely increase demand for all-electric ships, vessels, and ferries.
For instance, in July 2023, COSCO Shipping introduced a 700TEU electric container vessel with a capacity of carrying 700 20-foot containers. 36 of these containers are equipped with swappable batteries. These swappable batteries allow the ship to cover a range of 965 kilometers of the Yangtze River. The vessel is powered by two 900 kW main propulsion engines, creating a total power of 1800 kW.
Higher ROI, Megawatt's Charging Systems, and Low Noise and Vibrations to Drive Market Growth
The higher adoption of electric cargo ships is directly proportional to the return on investment (ROI) cargo businesses get through their operations. Electric propulsion system requires electric batteries that cost less than that of ICE propulsion. Apart from the cheaper fuel, the electric ship systems and sub-systems also consist of limited components that are less prone to faults. It reduces the overall maintenance cost, increasing the ROI. An electric propulsion system also creates lower vibrations, reducing the chances of equipment damage. Furthermore, quieter operations with an electric engine bay creating less noise are also preferred. Increased accessibility of charging infrastructure with rapid advancements in ship charging technology is projected to fuel electric ship adoption. Governments and the maritime industry constantly put in efforts to develop high-end charging stations for hybrid and electric ships, cargo carriers, and boats.
For instance, in December 2023, Swiss Technological giant ABB Group partnered with Auckland Transport to deliver an advanced megawatt charging system (MCS) for all-electric and hybrid-electric ferries. The interface between the shore and the ship is the same as that used in trucking and aviation and is expected to reduce market entry barriers for electric ships.
Government Subsidies and Incentives to Support Shipbuilders
Government concerns over carbon emissions are not limited to vehicular pollution. Apart from adopting EVs, electric two-wheelers, and taxis, government authorities also support electric ship manufacturers through different stages of their operations. Governments across countries support local shipbuilders working on green shipping and transportation. The push given to green ships is likely to foster carbon neutrality. Authorities are also concerned over the health condition of sea creatures as ship waste, gases, and oil affect marine life. Hence, the marine industry, along with government authorities, promotes green ship manufacturing projects.
For instance, in May 2023, the Indian government launched a series of initiatives to promote green shipping. The government's Ministry of Ports, Shipping & waterways (MoPSW) unveiled five initiatives that focus on green shipping and digitization of Indian ports. Previously, the government offered 20% financing for newly built green vessels, reduced by 3% per annum. The government's new policy would increase this to 30% for green vessels.
Higher Range and Carriage Capacity to Help Hybrid Electric Ship Segment Lead
Based on the propulsion type, the hybrid electric propulsion performs significantly better. Carrying capacity and longer range are attributed to the increased adoption of hybrid technology. The battery-based all-electric ships are new in the industry and undergoing different experiments. On the other side, hybrid electric and diesel-electric ships have been around for a while and have been constantly used in cargo operations across the globe. The hybrid drive includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) and the batteries on board. They can also be turned on again briefly during a power peak. They can also store excess energy, for example, from diesel generators. Hence, hybrid electric ships are preferred for bigger cargo ships as they deliver enough power through two different sources.
For instance, in January 2024, AtiB@C Shipping (Ethiopian Shipping Lines S.C.) launched its third 5,350 dwt plug-in hybrid vessel named Ecomar at Chowgule Shipyard. The outfitting, final painting would be continued at the outfitting quay. The way for final block assembles of Aquamar (4th Vessel in the Series of 12) has been cleared with the launch of the 90-meter-long general cargo Ecomar.
Europe Dominates Electric Ship Market
Europe has always been the center of trade and shipping. The growing businesses and the presence of major players, component manufacturers, and OEMs fuel the market growth in the region. The existing players are extending their research and development programs to advance the cargo fleet. The European authorities and their compliance policies are also anticipated to push the adoption of green or zero-emission ships. The adoption of hybrid electric ships with higher range and speed is expected to replace the crew transfer vessels. The rapidly increasing demand from the commercial and defense sector in Western Europe also adds value to the regional market dynamics. Apart from the commercial fleets, the European nations plan on building all-electric cruise ships.
For instance, in June 2023, Norwegian coastal ferry service and cruise line, Hurtigruten AS presented plans for its emission-free cruise ship named "Sea Zero". The project is being developed with a consortium of twelve maritime partners and Norway's Foundation for Industrial and Technical Research, locally known as SINTEF.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
- The electric ship market is expected to evolve according to factors like government regulations, better cost dynamics, and climate change.
- The ongoing development of all-electric cargo and cruise ships is expected to transform the market dynamics.
- The increased demand for hybrid electric ships along with extended research and development programs are anticipated to propel the market growth.
- Evolving battery technology, with lithium-ion batteries at the center stage, is projected to increase the range and carrying capacity of upcoming hybrid and electric ships.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The competitive landscape for electric ships is constantly transforming with the latest developments. The key focus is developing rechargeable advanced batteries that have a long life. Furthermore, the market players also try to capture green maritime zones defined by authorities. Alongside this, new players with advanced hybrid technology add value to the market landscape. The players also adopt expansion strategies like mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions.
For instance, in March 2023, ABB and Fincantieri signed a contract to supply eight medium-range Azipod propulsion solutions for four eco-friendly medium-size cruise ships. The passenger vessels will have two 7.7 MW Azipod propulsion modules per vessel. Ship deliveries will occur in 2024, 25 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Leclanche received an order in January 2023 for 22,6 MWh battery systems for new-generation hybrid ferries in the maritime industry. The order was for battery systems to be installed on ferries operated by Stena RoRo and Brittany Ferries. The ferries will be some of the biggest hybrid vessel projects in the maritime industry and will be built on Leclanche's latest cell technology that offers high cycle life with fast charge capability.