Conoship International has expanded its proven CIP3800 general cargo platform with a new 40 MWh fully electric configuration designed for zero-emission coastal routes and green corridors. Retaining the vessel’s optimized 4,737 cubic meter box-shaped hold and 3,200-tonne cargo intake, the design utilizes an intelligent split-room battery layout for balanced trim and competitive payload capacity. Offering an operational range of up to 650 nautical miles, the battery-electric system provides an immediate, scalable pathway to absolute zero direct emissions without requiring experimental hull designs.
Groningen | August 20, 2026 – To accelerate the transition toward true zero-emission short-sea shipping, Dutch ship design specialist Conoship International has introduced a purpose-engineered, fully electric configuration for its highly successful CIP3800 general cargo platform.
Building on a field-proven series of coastal vessels already actively trading across European waters, the new battery-powered option provides shipowners with an immediate, low-risk pathway to 100% emission-free operations for dedicated coastal corridors, fixed shuttle loops, and environmentally sensitive maritime zones.
Key Technical Specifications & Operational Profile
- Vessel Platform: CIP3800 Fully Electric Coaster
- Length Overall (LOA): 89.43 meters
- Breadth Moulded: 13.20 meters
- Design Draft: 5.20 meters
- Battery Energy Storage System (ESS): 40.0 MWh modular capacity
- Operational Range: Up to 650 nautical miles at 8 knots, or 350 nautical miles at 10 knots (inclusive of sea margin and hotel loads)
- Cargo Capacity: Single box-shaped hold of 4,737 cubic meters (m3) / 167,300 cubic feet
- Cargo Intake: 3,200 tonnes at a 5.20 m draft
- Direct Emissions: 0% CO, NOx, SOx, and Particulate Matter (PM) under battery operation
Field-Proven Hull Meets Electric Power
While alternative fuels continue to mature, battery-electric propulsion offers an immediate route to absolute zero Scope 1 emissions for targeted trades like Scandinavian fjord corridors and strict Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
The foundation of the fully electric CIP3800 is rooted in the optimized, low-resistance hull lines validated across numerous active vessels in the CIP family. Because battery propulsion demands extreme energy efficiency, the low power-per-nautical-mile requirement of the baseline design makes large-scale battery storage commercially viable without forcing operators to adopt unproven, experimental ship structures.
Maarten Sickler, Sales Director at Conoship International, said “The strength of the CIP3800 lies in its versatility. Shipowners don’t need to adopt unproven, experimental ship designs to explore zero-emission options. By building on a platform with an outstanding track record at sea, operators retain all the core advantages of the CIP series: optimized hold volume, low fuel/power demand, and building flexibility. All this while unlocking electric capability for specific trade loops.”
Advanced Engineering and Weight Distribution
Integrating a massive 40 MWh energy storage system presents unique weight and balance challenges, which Conoship’s engineering team solved through clever naval architecture:
- Intelligent Split-Room Layout: The battery installation is distributed across dedicated forward and aft battery compartments, ensuring balanced natural trim and completely eliminating the need for extra deadweight water ballast.
- Competitive Net Payload: The added weight of the energy storage systems is largely offset by the total elimination of heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, lubricating oils, and sludge tanks, keeping net usable payload highly competitive.
- Chemistry-Agnostic Modularity: Built on Conoship’s flexible design philosophy, the power architecture supports various cell chemistries, such as high-density NMC or long-lifecycle LFP, tailored to specific route profiles and charging intervals.
- Optional Range Extension: To provide flexibility on unconstrained routes or during evolving shore-power availability, the system can integrate a compact, downsized generator running on sustainable drop-in biofuels to serve as an emergency take-home or range-extending system.
Part of a Flexible, Modular Future
Whether configured for conventional diesel-electric efficiency, alternative liquid fuels like methanol, or a 40 MWh zero-emission battery plant, the CIP-Series continues to stand as a premier platform for modern short-sea logistics. As shoreside charging infrastructure expands across Europe, Conoship’s new fully electric variant provides a scalable bridge toward a sustainable maritime future.
About Conoship International
Conoship International is a leading Dutch ship design and engineering company dedicated to driving innovation and technological advancement across the global maritime industry. Operating with a strong focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability, the company has built a rich legacy since its founding in 1952, with over 2,000 vessels constructed according to its pioneering designs.
Conoship delivers comprehensive, full-lifecycle solutions for shipowners, operators, and shipyards worldwide. Its multi-disciplinary expertise spans:
- Feasibility studies and strategic consultancy services
- Conceptual, basic, and class-approval ship design
- Detailed engineering, workshop drawings, and production packages
- Complete project development and shipyard support
Backed by a talented, international team operating out of strategic offices in Groningen, Rotterdam, and Gdańsk, Conoship continues to bridge practical naval architecture with forward-thinking solutions, ensuring the short-sea and commercial shipping sectors successfully navigate the transition toward a sustainable, zero-emission future.
Source: Conoship International