Eitzen Group, based in Oslo, has announced an order for two 900 TEU fully electric containerships through its subsidiary, Zen. These vessels are slated for delivery in the third and fourth quarters of 2028, respectively, and will be constructed at China's Zhejiang Dongpeng Shipbuilding & Repairing Co. The design incorporates 104 MWh Zen battery packs, enabling an operational range of 500-600 nautical miles.
The ships are intended for Northern European trade corridors. This region is considered ideal for electrification due to its fixed schedules and predictable routes, which make the economic viability of electric propulsion more attractive. This initiative follows several years of research and development in marine battery technology and vessel electrification.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, the introduction of these electric vessels signifies a step towards greener shipping options on specific Northern European routes. While the initial impact on overall capacity and rates will be limited given the small number of vessels, it signals a growing trend towards decarbonization in short-sea shipping. Forwarders may see opportunities to offer more sustainable transport solutions to clients, potentially influencing carrier selection for environmentally conscious shippers.
