Imagine a giant electric cargo ship that doesn't have to stop for hours to charge. Instead, it uses a clever mix of battery types and a swappable system, similar to how some electric scooters swap batteries to keep moving. It also has a specially shaped hull that glides through water more easily, making the whole trip much more efficient.
Electric inland shipping is currently limited by short battery range and long charging times, making it impractical for long-distance cargo transport compared to diesel.
A 110m fully electric container vessel featuring a swappable hybrid battery system and a hydrodynamically optimized hull.
If you are a shipping company dealing with short battery life and long charging downtimes — this project developed a 110m electric vessel that provides 40% more range. This allows for longer trips without stopping, increasing daily cargo throughput.
If you are a battery service provider dealing with high upfront costs for ship owners — this project developed a Battery-as-a-Service business model. This allows you to lease swappable energy systems to operators, creating a recurring revenue stream.
If you are a shipyard dealing with outdated diesel hull designs — this project developed hydrodynamically optimized hulls and modular DC architectures. You can use these blueprints to build next-generation zero-emission vessels for the European market.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the project introduces a 'Battery-as-a-Service' model to reduce initial investment barriers.
Yes, the project involves a 110m container vessel and replication studies by CMA-CGM to explore commercial roll-out across Europe's waterways.
Based on available project data, licensing details are not provided, but the project establishes an 'Inland E-Vessel Community' for knowledge transfer.
The project is specifically developing new safety guidelines for the approval of next-generation battery systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
The project runs from May 2026 to October 2029, meaning real-world validation will occur during this window.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 58% industry ratio, comprising 12 partners across 7 countries. The presence of 7 industrial partners, including 3 SMEs and major players like NEDCARGO and CMA-CGM, indicates a strong focus on commercial viability and market replication rather than just academic research.
Contact the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) in France.
Contact us to connect with the RIVERBOOST consortium for early adoption of swappable battery tech.
