Featuring an advanced electric power and propulsion system from ABB, the pioneering e-bunker vessel concept from SeaFjord Energy offers a new way of supplying energy to ships in fjords and ports.
The concept, developed for Seafjord Energy, a Swedish innovator in marine energy solutions in collaboration with FKAB Marine Design and Bureau Veritas, foresees a large battery pack on board capable of providing renewable energy where traditional shore power infrastructure is less accessible, such as in ports, remote fjords and offshore locations. Utilizing ABB’s high performance charging solution, the e-bunker vessel can draw on a shore connection or on energy directly from a wind farm to deliver up to 50 megawatts of power to ships of different sizes.
From one award-winning innovation to another
The Concept Vessel Design of the Year award was presented to SeaFjord Energy and ABB during a ceremony at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 24. Showcasing “the brightest and best in conceptual vessel innovation, highlighting ships with electric, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion systems”, the award acknowledges the e-bunker vessel’s potential contribution to maritime decarbonization.
SeaFjord’s vessel design incorporates ABB Dynafin™ – the winner of last year's Retina ECO award for environmental sustainability and innovation – with two propulsion units maximizing propulsive efficiency and responsiveness in all operational situations. Maximum propulsive efficiency is crucial for a concept of this kind as it minimizes the energy required to power the vessel, thereby leaving more energy available for charging other ships.
The brightest and best in conceptual vessel innovation, highlighting ships with electric, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion systems.
Through the combined motion of the wheel and blades, ABB Dynafin™ generates propulsion and steering forces simultaneously, providing ground-breaking operational efficiency and precision. The propulsors also integrate seamlessly with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform to enhance the vessel’s overall performance.
Onboard DC Grid™ is a modular and highly customizable power system platform enabling simple, flexible, and functional integration of energy sources and loads. Its versatility is well suited to the e-bunker vessel’s operational requirements.
The Concept Vessel Design of the Year award was presented to SeaFjord Energy and ABB during a ceremony at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 24. Image credit - Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards 
The award acknowledges the e-bunker vessel’s potential contribution to maritime decarbonization. Image credit - Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards
An innovative and achievable solution for maritime electrification
Accepting the Concept Vessel Design of the Year award on behalf of the company, Marcus Högblom, Head of Passenger Segment, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “The shipping and offshore industry needs the right infrastructure to reach its decarbonization targets, and the SeaFjord e-bunker concept offers a highly innovative yet achievable solution to enable maritime electrification.
“We are honored to be part of the team behind the winner of the Concept Vessel Design of the Year award – an accolade that recognizes not only ABB Onboard DC Grid™ energy integration and battery recharging alongside and offshore, but also the contribution of the revolutionary ABB Dynafin™ propulsion platform to improving vessel efficiency.”
Marcus Högblom, Head of Passenger Segment, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “The shipping and offshore industry needs the right infrastructure to reach its decarbonization targets, and the SeaFjord e-bunker concept offers a highly innovative yet achievable solution to enable maritime electrification. Image credit - ABB 
From the left: Petter Öhman, Global Sales Manager, Propulsion Solutions, ABB Marine & Ports, Andreas Magnusson, CEO, SeaFjord Energy, Elias Magnusson, COO, SeaFjord Energy
