The Cosmos container is designed to be swapped between vessels or installed permanently
(Image courtesy of AYK Energy)
AYK Energy will unveil what it describes as the world’s first swappable containerised marine battery system at SMM in Hamburg, running September 1 to 4, 2026. The company is already taking orders for the new container format while the system moves through class approval, having completed the New Technology Qualification stage that precedes full certification.
Cosmos container removes the dedicated battery room
The containerised format eliminates the need for a dedicated battery room, which AYK describes as one of the more complex and costly pieces of engineering in a marine battery installation. Founder Chris Kruger said the system “will simplify installation, reduce engineering complexity, lower project costs and speed up implementation.” The container can be permanently installed for hybrid or fully electric vessels, or used as a swappable unit exchanged between voyages.
Units can be stacked and charged onshore before being transported to port and loaded at speed, with capacity scaled to a voyage’s energy requirements, according to AYK. Short sea routes working toward EU ETS compliance are one likely use case, alongside temporary hotel-load power for vessels in port. AYK states the system carries eight independent levels of safety, IP67 protection and an A60 fire rating.
Ferry and RoPax operators are the primary target
Cosmos is aimed primarily at the ferry, RoPax and passenger vessel market, with the company noting it also suits tugboats, feeder vessels, hybrid commercial craft, fully electric vessels and other workboats requiring battery power. AYK will present the system at SMM’s Hall B6, stand 342.
A certification and delivery history behind the launch
AYK’s claim to industry-first status is not new. By the company’s account, it was the first to secure marine certification for LFP batteries with DNV, in 2021, and Kruger developed the industry’s first type-approved marine battery earlier in his career, before founding AYK in 2018. Those credentials sit alongside recent delivery work: a retrofit for Wasaline’s Aurora Botnia that AYK called the world’s largest marine battery retrofit, and a 2025 deal with Holland Shipyards Group to supply DNV-approved battery packs for the zero-emission container vessel FPS Waal.
Stay ahead in the electrification revolution. Explore more breakthroughs from leading innovators in electric commercial transport – visit our news page.