The transport sector is responsible for about 23% of CO2 emissions and is thus a significant source of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. After road and air transport, a significant amount of global CO2 emissions falls on shipping. On the way to a climate-friendly future, it is therefore crucial to find ways to reduce these emissions. The European project HYPOBATT (Hyper powered vessel battery charging system) has brought together 18 key players from the European maritime sector. The aim is to develop a fast charging system for ships and demonstrate it at selected locations. Initially, the ferry service between the North German ports of Norddeich and Norderney will be electrified. For this purpose, HYPOBATT will supply a modular, fast and simple multi-megawatt charging system that will enable the ships to be connected to the charging station and charged within a very short time after docking. Due to the intended modularity of the port-side charging stations, electrified port vehicles should also make use of this infrastructure in further steps, thus reducing the overall CO2 balance of a port. Further goals of the project are the standardization of the fast charging system for ferries as well as the development of new business models for battery-powered boats, which should make electric ferry operations safer, faster and more sustainable at other locations in the future.

​The EU-wide pilot project, with a duration of 42 months and funded with 9.35 MEur under the HORIZON 2020 initiative, aims to advance the electrification of ships.