AET, a prominent global owner and operator in maritime transportation, has partnered with Fleetzero, a company specializing in modular marine batteries, to develop the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel. The agreement was finalized during a ceremony held at AET’s Offshore office in Galveston, Texas, attended by key representatives from both organizations. Capt. Ron Wood, AET’s Global Director of Commercial, and Mr. Steven Henderson, Fleetzero’s CEO, signed the agreement, marking a significant milestone in marine technology.
As part of this collaboration, AET will retrofit one of its Lightering Support Vessels (LSV) with a plug-in hybrid-electric system. The vessel will primarily run on battery power, leading to a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at around 82% compared to traditional LSVs. This innovative approach is expected to avoid approximately 1,220 tonnes of greenhouse gases while also cutting fuel consumption and maintenance costs, all while adhering to high safety standards. Mr. Zahid Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership in their decarbonisation and energy transition strategy.
He expressed pride in collaborating with Fleetzero to develop the industry’s largest plug-in hybrid-electric LSV, showcasing AET’s commitment to sustainable solutions in maritime transportation. The pilot project will not only serve as a performance evaluation of the new technology but could also lead to broader implementation across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet. Fleetzero’s CEO, Mr. Steven Henderson, shared excitement for the project, highlighting its potential to promote marine electrification in an economically viable manner. The design of Fleetzero’s technology prioritizes mariner safety and operational efficiency alongside emissions reduction.
This partnership reflects AET’s ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainable maritime practices and environmental stewardship as part of industry-wide decarbonisation efforts.