HYPOBATT: demonstrating multi-megawatt charging in Norddeich

On Germany’s North Sea coast in Norddeich, a key milestone for zero-emission maritime transport has recently been achieved. At its final event on 18 February 2026, partners of the EU-funded Hypobatt project successfully demonstrated a modular, multi-megawatt charging system for fully electric vessels. The test was held under real operating conditions – marking an important step toward decarbonising Europe’s ports and short-sea shipping.

The project involves 18 partners from industry, research and academia across ten European countries. Hosted by the shipping company Norden-Frisia, the final test showcased how innovative charging infrastructure developed under Horizon Europe research funding can move from concept to operational reality.

From research to real-world deployment

For three years, Hypobatt (HYper POwered vessel BATTery charging system) has worked to develop high-performance charging technologies tailored to the needs of maritime transport. Unlike road vehicles, ferries and other vessels require extremely high power levels and robust infrastructure capable of operating in demanding coastal environments.

In Norddeich, these innovations were put to the test.

At the centre of the demonstration was the Frisia E-1, the first fully electric seagoing ferry. Made available by Norden-Frisia, the vessel served as the test platform for the project’s modular, standards-compliant multi-megawatt charging system.

Mechanical and electrical installation of the infrastructure had already been completed in January, followed by extensive system tests. The final demonstration, attended by representatives of the project consortium and the maritime industry, confirmed that the system performs reliably under real operating conditions.

“The final demonstration is a decisive milestone for the Hypobatt project and the entire consortium,” said project coordinator Dr. Endika Bilbao Muruaga. “It shows that the concepts and technologies developed within the project are not only theoretically sound but can also be successfully implemented in a real maritime environment.”

Enabling zero-emission ports

The Norddeich demonstration marks the conclusion of the current Hypobatt project phase, but it also lays the foundation for broader deployment. The project also contributes to the development of standardised charging interfaces and innovative business models to support the wider adoption of electric shipping solutions.

European cooperation driving innovation

Hypobatt demonstrates the strength of European research cooperation. By bringing together expertise from ten countries, the project shows how Horizon Europe funding can help transform advanced engineering concepts into scalable, real-world solutions.

With successful validation now complete, multi-megawatt charging for electric ships is no longer just a technical ambition – it is an operational reality.

MORE INFORMATION

CORDIS project factsheet: HYPOBATT

HYPOBATT project website