XWAVE – The Flexible, Scalable High-Performance Maritime Battery System

XWAVE is a modular marine battery system, purpose-built for full battery powered and hybrid vessels. Developed using Freudenberg e-Power Systems’ proprietary Gen 3 SHP cell technology, it is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern maritime applications.

Utilizing feedback and lessons learned from our customers, we have built on six years of experience in maritime battery solutions and developed this state of the systems to meet the growing needs of the maritime industry. To date, we have successfully completed more than 30 vessel installations across both commercial and pleasure sectors. These projects span a wide range of applications, demonstrating the versatility and reliability of our battery systems – even in the most demanding marine environments.

We continue to shape the future of maritime electrification - one vessel at a time.

High charge rate (2C), high discharge rate (3C)

High cycle life

Liquid cooled

Easy integration

Flexible configuration

Vertical integrated company

XWAVE: Stackable Maritime Battery Solution 

XWAVE is a stackable battery system designed for quick installation, optimizing the naval architects, integrators and shipyards work in installing the product and seamlessly following the ship building process. Engineered for long-lasting reliability, it delivers consistent, robust performance throughout its lifespan. By leveraging advanced telematics and exceptional customer support, we optimize battery usage for maximum efficiency and uptime.

Its flexible configuration allows you to tailor the energy setup to your vessel’s specific environment, ensuring optimal energy deployment. Designed for seamless integration, XWAVE fits effortlessly into existing system arrangements, enhancing overall efficiency and functionality.

  • Flexible arrangements to optimize the installed energy on a vessel
  • Smooth integration in the vessel
  • High C rate capability, high cycle life for demanding operation
  • Designed for large installations

XWAVE Product Video

Literature

XWAVE Datasheet

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Battery Applications for Electric Ships

XWAVE enables hybrid and full electric operation for sustainable energy use. It supports peak-shaving and spinning reserve to stabilize the grid in hybrid applications. Its high charging capability makes it ideal for full electric vessels.

AI-generated image of an electric ferry with multiple deck levels, cruising through open waters.
  • Ferries
  • RoPax and RoRo vessels
  • Cruise ships
  • Offshore vessels
  • Tugboats
  • Container and other merchant vessels

Examples of Our Maritime Battery Systems in the Field

Electric Ferries in USA – Chatham Area Transit (CAT)

We are partnering with Derecktor Shipyards to power three ferries for Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia.  The ferries are part of the Chatham Area Transit’s Savannah Belles Ferry fleet moving passengers across the Savannah River. Our Freudenberg e-Power Systems battery packs were successfully launched in the original two ferries – Susie King Taylor II and Juliette Gordon Low II – in late 2024.

Electric Ferries France/UK – P&O Ferries

We supplied the batteries for one of the largest installations on passenger ferries worldwide, with the Pioneer and Liberté P&O ferries that operate in the English Channel. Our batteries are currently used for maneuvering to support docking at the port and for peak shaving as well as for spinning reserve.

Electric Ferries in Wellington, New Zealand – Ika Rere

We provided the battery solution for the first fully battery-electric ferry in the southern hemisphere, the Ika Rere. This ground-breaking ferry can carry up to 132 passengers and operates in the Bay of Wellington, New Zealand.

AI-generated image of Ika Rere, a battery-electric passenger ferry equipped with our battery solution, cruising on water with a small tree-covered island in the background

Gen 3 SHP Power Cell – Mid-nickel single crystal NMC cell solution

For XWAVE, we are using our own power cell Gen 3 SHP. We are a provider of power cells, drawing on more than 15 years of in-house design and manufacturing experience in high-performance lithium-ion cells for the heavy-duty market. Our power cells provides high performance in charge rate, power, energy density, cycle life, and thermal behaviour, all of which are integral for the electrification of demanding heavy-duty applications.

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Battery Management System (BMS) and Controls

The enclosed BMS acts as the “brains” of the system providing monitoring, balancing, and safety functionality. Its primary function is to maintain the lithium-ion cells within their safe operating range, regardless of the demands being placed on them. Deployed in on-road, mining and maritime applications the BMS is based on the same core functions and hardware.

The BMS manages individual strings of series-connected packs through its on-board String Controller Unit (SCU), pre-charge circuit, current sensor, and contactors. The Master Controller Unit (MCU) manages multiple parallel strings (up to 24) while providing a single interface to the energy management system on-board the vessel.

It is designed to meet various customer needs related to system-level and string-level activities while being able to interface with service tools for technician interactions. The Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) manages individual strings of series-connected packs through its on-board String Controller Unit (SCU), pre-charge circuit, current sensor, and contactors. For large systems of multiple parallel-connected strings, BDUs are connected in parallel.

Battery Management System providing monitoring, balancing, and safety functionality

Telematics System

Maximizing up-time and performance of your vessel requires system monitoring. The Battery Viewer (XBV) telematics system consists of a control unit, allowing access to consolidated data via the XBV Portal for easy viewing from virtually any electronic device that can be connected to a web-based portal.

Graphic illustrating the features and functionality of the Lithium-Ion Battery Telematics System

Intuitive dashboards show relevant battery system information and monitor the status of all your battery systems on one interactive map.

Data gives you the ability to provide a proactive approach to servicing applications. Reduce down-time by knowing when to schedule service and be able to respond quickly to system issues.

XBV is easily integrated into new designs or existing systems. XBV allows access to historical location tracking and geofence, has diagnostic reporting capabilities, and can generate reports and logs.

A Lifetime of Service and Support

Our dedicated team will be working with you for the entire lifecycle of our product to ensure our system is continuously meeting your needs. This comprehensive range of services starts with consultation. We support our customers to optimize our battery system for their unique application, making use of your specific power profile and use case.

We then offer commissioning and testing services and crew training  to support battery system integration and operation by your crew for safe long-term use. We also provide support after battery system integration through digital services driven by telematics − such as the system’s data usage, diagnostics, and troubleshooting − to promote the continued optimization of your vessel’s operation.

At the end of the battery’s lifecycle, we support our customers with recycling partners to facilitate a smooth transition between battery systems.

Large cargo ship docked in a port, featuring numerous stacked containers on its deck, with cranes and port infrastructure visible in the background.

Reliability Through our Maritime Competence

Freudenberg e-Power Systems battery solutions are powering a wide range of maritime applications, including ferries, cruise ships, fishing vessels, and research vessels. With over 30 ship installations worldwide, these advanced battery systems demonstrate exceptional reliability and performance at sea. Vessels equipped with our batteries operate across the globe from the coasts of Norway and the USA to the waters of New Zealand, with some ships sailing continuously around the world. With battery products that have been in operation for more than nine years and used in over 2,500 applications - transit, school buses, mining, and marine - Freudenberg e-Power Systems is a trusted partner in energy solutions.

Maritime Regulatory Ready

XWAVE is engineered to meet and exceed the world’s most stringent maritime regulations, like DNV and other class societies’ requirements.

As global regulations tighten, vessel electrification is no longer a future ambition – it’s a present-day requirement. XWAVE empowers shipowners and operators to meet these mandates with confidence, ensuring long-term operational viability and environmental responsibility. With XWAVE, you’re not just future-ready – you’re regulation-ready.
 

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