AET, a leading global owner and operator of maritime transportation assets, has partnered with Fleetzero, a developer of modular marine battery systems, to retrofit one of its Lightering Support Vessels (LSV) with a plug-in hybrid-electric system. The project aims to develop the world’s longest-range hybrid-electric vessel, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
The agreement was signed at AET’s offshore office in Galveston, Texas, by Capt. Ron Wood, AET’s Global Director, Commercial, and Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero. This initiative aligns with AET’s commitment to decarbonization and operational sustainability in the maritime sector.
Revolutionizing Maritime Sustainability
Under the retrofit plan, the selected LSV will operate primarily on battery power, reducing GHG emissions by approximately 82% compared to conventional LSVs on a tank-to-wake basis. This translates to an estimated reduction of 1,220 tonnes of GHG emissions, alongside significant fuel savings and lower maintenance costs.
Zahid Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the project:
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in our decarbonization journey and energy transition strategy. We are proud to partner with Fleetzero in developing the world’s largest plug-in hybrid-electric LSV, reinforcing our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry.”
The pilot project will also serve as a feasibility study for potential broader deployment of hybrid-electric technology across AET’s and possibly MISC’s fleets.
Fleetzero’s Next-Generation Battery Technology
Fleetzero’s advanced battery technology, marketed as the Leviathan system, enables hybridization for vessels of any size, offering a scalable approach to reducing maritime emissions. The system allows ships to operate with zero emissions in port, at anchor, and during short-sea operations, aligning with regulatory frameworks such as California’s CARB 24-mile emissions zone.
Fleetzero CEO Steven Henderson highlighted the impact of this collaboration:
“We are so excited about this project because it promises to advance marine electrification in a commercially viable way, and the impact is immense – drastically reducing emissions from vessel operations. Many of us at Fleetzero have served at sea as mariners, and we designed our technology to enhance mariner safety and ease of operations, not only to improve emissions and efficiency.”
Accelerating the Energy Transition in Shipping
This collaboration underscores AET’s leadership in sustainable shipping by integrating hybrid-electric solutions into its fleet. As global regulatory bodies push for cleaner fuel alternatives, retrofitting existing vessels with hybrid systems offers a viable pathway toward reducing maritime emissions.
AET, a wholly owned subsidiary of MISC Berhad, operates a fleet of over 60 vessels, including dual-fuel tankers and zero-emission vessel projects. The company continues to engage with energy majors, refineries, and traders to accelerate the maritime industry’s energy transition through innovation and operational excellence.
Meanwhile, Fleetzero’s technology continues to gain traction in the industry as a scalable solution for zero-emission shipping, enabling vessel operators to comply with evolving environmental regulations while achieving cost savings through fuel and maintenance reductions.
This latest initiative from AET and Fleetzero marks another significant milestone in the maritime sector’s shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
About Fleetzero
Fleetzero is a pioneering developer of modular marine battery technology, enabling affordable long-range electric shipping solutions. Its Leviathan battery system provides a scalable and cost-effective approach to reducing emissions in the maritime industry. Fleetzero’s technology allows vessels to operate with zero emissions in port, during coastal maneuvers, and at sea, helping shipowners meet stringent environmental regulations while improving efficiency and cost savings.
About AET
AET is a global energy logistics solutions provider committed to delivering safe, high-quality maritime logistics and setting new standards in greener shipping. As one of the world’s leading owners and operators of maritime transportation assets, AET is dedicated to moving energy responsibly and efficiently while advocating for sustainable shipping. The company’s fleet includes conventional and dual-fuel tankers, as well as partnerships for zero-emission vessels. Headquartered in Singapore, AET has commercial and operational offices in Malaysia, the US, the UK, Norway, Brazil, and Uruguay. AET is a wholly owned subsidiary of MISC Berhad.
Source AET Tankers