Royal Bodewes has received an order from Norwegian operator K Sætre Rederi for a fully electric, zero-emission cargo vessel, with delivery scheduled for March 2028.
The vessel, designated the RB 3600 Zero-Emission Vessel, is being built for operation along Norway’s coastline, where it will transport products for steel producer 7 Steel Nordic between ports including Mo i Rana. The ship will sail under the Norwegian flag and operate under Norwegian crew terms and conditions.
The 70-meter vessel will have a deadweight of approximately 3,600 metric tons and will be powered by a 13.3MWh battery system. According to Royal Bodewes, the vessel is designed to achieve an endurance of more than 270 nautical miles on battery power, positioning it among the longest-range electric cargo vessels in its segment. Electrical integration will be supplied by Norway-based SEAM.
Åge Sætre, owner and technical manager of K. Sætre Rederi, said the project represents a significant shift for coastal shipping operations. “This represents a major technological breakthrough for coastal shipping. With this electric range, we can operate large parts of the Norwegian coastline fully electric without emissions, largely relying on existing charging infrastructure,” he said.
Royal Bodewes said the vessel’s design focuses on minimizing energy consumption through a combination of advanced hull design, optimized hydrodynamics and high-efficiency propulsion. The ship will also feature smart energy management systems intended to optimize battery performance and extend operational range.
Development work on the RB 3600 Zero-Emission Vessel will continue in the coming months, with multiple suppliers and maritime knowledge institutes involved in refining the final design. The shipyard emphasized that electrification involves a broader redesign of vessel systems, rather than a direct replacement of conventional propulsion.
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