Grimaldi Group completes installation of Corvus Energy ‘mega batteries’ in groundbreaking retrofit

Two Ro-Pax cruise ferries “Cruise Barcelona” and “Cruise Roma” owned by Italian Grimaldi Group have each been retrofitted with 5,5 MWh energy storage systems to enable zero-emissions operation in port stay. — Photo courtesy Corvus Energy

Bergen, Norway and Vancouver, Canada – July 3, 2019 – Corvus Energy is pleased to announce that the company has completed the installation of a 5,5 MWh battery energy storage systems (ESS) for each of the two Ro-Pax cruise ferries “Cruise Barcelona” and “Cruise Roma” owned and operated by Italian Grimaldi Group.

The ‘mega batteries’ will allow the Grimaldi cruise ferries to turn off the diesel engines and operate solely on battery power and with zero emissions for up to four hours during port stay.

“The Corvus energy storage system is an important component in our vision for sustainable shipping,” says Andrea D'Ambra, Energy Saving Technical Department at Grimaldi Euromed, a Grimaldi Group company which operates PCTCs (Pure Car & Trucks Carriers), Ro-Ro and passenger ferries in the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe.

“An ESS this massive had never before been retrofitted onboard a cruise ferry vessel. It’s clear now that if shipowners are willing to go green, the technology exists,” says Roger Rosvold, Senior Vice President Sales at Corvus Energy. “We are extremely proud to be chosen to supply such a groundbreaking installation.”

“The Grimaldi Group is a highly skilled and experienced shipowner. We are impressed with their commitment to reduce emissions from their operating fleet and their in-depth knowledge on what can be done,” Rosvold continues. “Good collaboration and close partnership are key in developing new and innovative solutions to accelerate the adoption of green technology. At Corvus, we will continue to drive technology further by pushing boundaries for the use of batteries.”

The two projects started with technical teams from Grimaldi and Corvus Energy sailing aboard Cruise Barcelona to evaluate the optimal electrical and mechanical integration of an energy storage system. With the assistance from the Grimaldi on-site team, this challenging project has been successfully completed on budget, on time and on spec.

Ronald Hansen, EVP Service & Aftermarket at Corvus Energy comments, “When we work closely together with the shipowner to clearly understand their operational needs, we can give better advice on the optimal ESS solution.”

Grimaldi’s D’Ambra concurs: “We were impressed not only with Corvus’ battery technology and safety features, but also with the company’s knowledge and competence on mechanical, electrical and power systems for the maritime industry.”

As the leading manufacturer of energy storage systems (ESS) for maritime applications, Corvus offers the innovative Orca ESS solutions portfolio and has unsurpassed experience from 200+ projects, totaling over 200MWh and more than two million operating hours.