Royal T advances electric GADUS as coastal range reaches 450 nautical miles

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Royal T Shipyards is advancing a fully battery powered version of its GADUS dry cargo platform, targeting zero emission operations in the 5,000 to 6,000 tonne deadweight market.

The Dutch shipbuilder said the concept could support missions of up to 650 nautical miles, depending on the vessel’s trading cycle and charging infrastructure. Detailed studies for a Norwegian operating profile validated voyages of about 450 nautical miles while preserving the required cargo capacity.

The studies examined sailing distances, port calls, weather allowances, cargo requirements, charging opportunities and onboard power consumption. Royal T estimated that electricity could cover as much as 91% of the analysed operating cycle, cutting annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,540 tonnes compared with conventional operation.

Battery capacity, installed power and charging arrangements would be configured for each owner. The design must balance range and charging time against payload, speed, redundancy and lifecycle cost. In practical terms, carrying more batteries can extend range, but it can also reduce the vessel’s revenue earning cargo capacity.

“Zero emission shipping must work not only technically, but also operationally and commercially,” Chief Executive Thecla Bodewes said. She added that development would focus on matching the complete energy system to an owner’s actual trading profile.

The electric concept builds on the GADUS platform used for HAV LEITI, the first of four vessels ordered by Navigare Shipping. The vessel entered service in 2026 with diesel electric propulsion, a high cubic cargo hold and an electrically driven excavator mounted on a travelling traverse.

A flexible shore power transformer allows the excavator and other systems to operate without local emissions where suitable port connections are available. A vessel data management system also collects information from navigation, machinery, propulsion and automation systems for shore based performance monitoring and maintenance planning.

The battery version can be supplied with fully electric propulsion or a battery dominant system supported by a backup or range extending power source.