CATL Predicts Full Electrification of Ocean-Going Vessels by 2028

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world’s leading manufacturer of battery systems, has firmly reiterated its bold projection: that large vessels designed for extensive ocean voyages will transition entirely to electric propulsion before the close of 2028. This assertive declaration was reportedly made during a significant international industry gathering, likely Marintec China, toward the end of 2025. The forecast directly challenges the prevailing industry skepticism regarding whether current battery energy density can adequately support the demands of long-haul maritime routes.

Su Yiyi, who spearheads CATL’s dedicated marine division, publicly restated this ambitious timeline. She emphasized that the company is currently channeling substantial resources into developing cutting-edge technological solutions designed to effectively circumvent the existing limitations associated with energy storage capacity for these massive ships. This commitment signals a major technological push from the battery giant.

CATL’s aggressive timeline aligns closely with escalating global regulatory pressures aimed at achieving deep decarbonization within the shipping sector. Key drivers include stringent directives issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union’s emissions trading schemes. Specifically, the IMO has endorsed a Net-Zero program targeting the complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by the year 2050. Furthermore, this strategy introduces a significant financial deterrent: starting in 2028, penalties amounting to 380 US dollars per metric ton could be levied against CO2 emissions exceeding established thresholds, providing a powerful economic incentive for adopting alternative energy sources.

CATL initiated its focused efforts within the maritime sector back in 2017. To date, the company estimates that its battery systems power approximately 900 vessels globally, capturing roughly 40% of the entire worldwide market for marine batteries. To concentrate its innovation efforts, CATL established the specialized CATL Electric Ship Technology division in November 2022. This unit concentrates on developing robust energy solutions tailored specifically for waterborne transport. The company heavily leverages its proven lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode technology, recognized for its superior safety profile, while also exploring the potential of emerging sodium-ion batteries.

To underpin this transformative vision, CATL is actively promoting an integrated ecosystem dubbed “Ship-Shore-Cloud.” This comprehensive framework seamlessly connects onboard energy storage units, high-speed shore-based charging or battery swapping infrastructure, and intelligent cloud-based management systems. This holistic approach is engineered to equip vessels with operational ranges extending up to 5,000 kilometers, a critical benchmark for viable transoceanic operations. The company frequently cites successful precedents, such as the Yangtze Three Gorges No. 1 cruise vessel, launched in 2020, and the coastal vessel Yujian 77, which commenced service in the summer of 2024, as proof points for their technology.

The market potential within this niche is truly immense. Projections indicated that the global market for electric vessels would reach 6.5 billion US dollars by 2025, with expectations for explosive growth to 58.8 billion US dollars by 2035. CATL’s forecast suggesting complete electrification of deep-sea shipping within just three years implies a monumental technological leap forward, one that must successfully bridge the current range gap separating coastal and inland electric vessels from their long-distance oceanic counterparts.