Everllence and WE Tech Solutions signed a landmark MoU to deliver advanced vessel electrification and energy-efficiency retrofits globally under the PrimeServ Omnicare umbrella. The partnership is already targeting a pilot project of up to 33 vessels, offering PTO/VFD upgrades that allow shipowners to shut down auxiliary engines and significantly cut emissions.
Copenhagen, Denmark | July 14, 2026 – As the global shipping industry faces intensifying regulatory and economic pressure to slash greenhouse gas emissions, two prominent maritime technology players have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate fleet electrification.
Maritime engineering giant Everllence and Finnish energy-efficiency specialist WE Tech Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to deliver comprehensive electrification, energy-efficiency, and decarbonisation retrofits to the global merchant fleet, marking a significant expansion of Everllence’s PrimeServ Omnicare multi-OEM service offering.
The cooperation is already hitting the ground running, with the two companies in active discussions for a massive pilot project covering up to 33 vessels.
Expanding PrimeServ Omnicare: A Multi-OEM Decarbonisation Hub
The agreement signals a deliberate evolution for Everllence’s service arm. Historically known for supporting its own massive footprint of marine engines, Everllence is positioning PrimeServ Omnicare as an OEM-agnostic partner capable of executing complex retrofits regardless of who manufactured the vessel’s original propulsion systems.
By integrating WE Tech’s specialised expertise in variable frequency drives (VFDs), permanent magnet generators, and DC-bus power distribution, Everllence can now offer turn-key, advanced electrical integrations alongside its traditional mechanical maintenance and spare-parts business.
The strategic cooperation will focus on three core pillars:
- Electrification and Energy-Management: Implementing advanced hybrid and battery-ready systems.
- Retrofit Execution: Delivering turnkey engineering solutions during scheduled dry dockings to minimise vessel downtime.
- Global Lifecycle Support: Combining WE Tech’s technology with Everllence’s extensive global service footprint for commissioning, maintenance, and long-term optimization.
Technical Deep Dive: The Power of PTO/VFD Upgrades
The immediate commercial focus of the partnership is the deployment of Power Take-Off (PTO) and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) upgrades for both two-stroke and four-stroke vessels.
Why PTO/VFD Retrofits Matter
In conventional vessel setups, auxiliary diesel generators are kept running to supply electricity for shipboard operations. PTO systems allow the main propulsion engine to generate this electricity instead, capitalizing on the higher fuel efficiency of the primary engine compared to smaller auxiliary units. By pairing the PTO with a VFD, the system can dynamically regulate electrical frequency. This allows the main engine to run at variable speeds, such as during slow steaming, while still delivering a stable electrical current to the ship’s grid.
The Operational Impact: Utilizing a PTO/VFD system enables operators to completely shut down auxiliary engines during transit. This slashes auxiliary fuel consumption, reduces auxiliary maintenance costs, and significantly lowers both CO2 and localized emissions.
This technology is highly lucrative for vessels with high auxiliary power demands, including:
- LNG Carriers (which require substantial power for reliquefaction and cargo handling).
- Container Vessels carrying large numbers of refrigerated containers (reefers).
- Ro-Ro and Passenger Vessels with high hotel loads.
The 33-Vessel Pilot Project
Rather than waiting for theoretical frameworks to mature, Everllence and WE Tech have already initiated concrete engineering studies. The partners are actively offering PTO and VFD upgrades designed for integration during scheduled dry-dockings.
The companies confirmed they are currently negotiating a commercial pilot project that includes options to retrofit up to 33 vessels. If fully realized, the project would represent one of the largest coordinated electrical retrofit campaigns in recent maritime history.
Crucially, these upgrades will be marketed to shipowners regardless of their engine OEM, widening the addressable market to virtually any large merchant vessel currently afloat.
Industry Perspectives: “Moving Big Things to Zero”
The alliance comes at a critical juncture. With the IMO’s carbon intensity indicators (CII) growing stricter year-on-year, and regional frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime driving up the cost of fossil fuels, shipowners are looking for immediate, capital-efficient ways to optimize existing hulls.
Commenting on the partnership, Henri Kinnunen, CEO of WE Tech Solutions, highlighted the urgency of the energy transition “The maritime industry is at a pivotal point in its transition towards lower emissions. By combining WE Tech’s electrification technologies with Everllence’s global service capabilities, we can support customers with integrated, practical solutions that improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact.“
Thomas Andreassen, Global Business Development Manager at Everllence PrimeServ Omnicare, emphasized how the partnership leverages Everllence’s massive global footprint “The maritime industry is entering a new phase where electrification, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation are becoming increasingly interconnected. Everllence engines power a substantial share of the global commercial fleet, giving us a unique opportunity to help shipowners achieve meaningful fuel savings.“
“By combining WE Tech’s expertise in hybrid systems and electrical integration with our global engineering and service organisation, we can deliver solutions that create measurable value for customers, fully aligned with Everllence’s ambition of Moving Big Things to Zero.”
About WE Tech Solutions
WE Tech Solutions is a leading energy solutions provider with a global presence in the shipping industry. The company specialises in supplying solutions based on variable frequency drives, permanent magnet generator technology, DC-bus power distribution, and energy-management systems.
About Everllence
Headquartered in Germany, Everllence is a global leader in marine propulsion, decarbonization, and industrial energy systems. The company employs 15,000 people across more than 140 sites globally. Its extensive portfolio includes advanced dual-fuel engines, climate-neutral fuel retrofits, carbon capture systems, industrial heat pumps, and large-scale green hydrogen technologies through its subsidiary Quest One. Global after-sales support is managed via its dedicated service arm, Everllence PrimeServ.
Source: Everllence