EST-Floattech to Supply Battery Systems for 15 New River

Dutch systems integrator Van Tiem Elektro has contracted EST-Floattech to supply its Octopus High Energy battery systems for a new series of 15 river cruise ships. The vessels are being outfitted at De Gerlien van Tiem in Druten and at the Vahali shipyards in Ghent for a group of cruise operators.

These operators include AmaWaterways and Uniworld, which sail on the Danube and the Black Sea region. Each ship will be equipped with a 650 kWh battery capacity, bringing the total order to 9.7 MWh. According to the source, this is one of EST-Floattech's largest river cruise contracts to date.

Battery System Capabilities and Approvals

Onboard, the Octopus HE systems will enable partial electric sailing, auxiliary service charging, and emergency power supply. The platform combines EST-Floattech's in-house developed module and cell technology with a string controller for easy MODbus integration into a ship's existing systems. The system holds approvals from DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, and RINA.

The order builds on an existing relationship between the two Dutch companies, which have previously collaborated on maritime electrification projects. Van Tiem Elektro, based in Wamel, is already familiar with the Octopus platform from its work on tankers and river cruise vessels like the Solara and the Astara.

Executive Commentary on the Partnership

Marinus van der Putte, Sales Director at EST-Floattech, said the order is based on mutual trust. "Van Tiem Elektro always looks for solutions, which makes working with them a real pleasure," van der Putte stated, according to the source. He noted their prior collaboration and long-term relationship made this a natural step into the river cruise market for both firms.

Maarten Soetekouw, co-owner of Van Tiem Elektro, called this one of the largest electrification projects the company has undertaken. "9.7 MWh distributed across 15 vessels represents a real step forward for sustainable river cruising, and we are proud to carry it out," Soetekouw said.

He added that his engineers are already well-acquainted with EST-Floattech's Octopus platform, which provides confidence for a project of this scale. While the price was competitive, Soetekouw emphasized the importance of their open, practical collaboration focused on achieving goals.

Construction Timeline and Market Context

With shipyards across Europe fully booked, work has already begun on the first hulls in the series. Final deliveries are scheduled through 2030. The source reports this order reflects the continuing boom in the river cruise sector, where operators-primarily Swiss and German, along with one American and one Chinese operator-continue to invest in electrification to reduce emissions and meet demand for onboard services.

Van Tiem Elektro anticipates a long-term collaboration throughout the construction of all 15 vessels in the series.