Conoship Introduces Battery-Electric Cargo Ship Design With 650 NM Range

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday August 20, 2026
  • Conoship adds 40 MWh fully electric configuration to CIP3800 platform
  • Range of up to 650 NM at 8 knots on battery power alone
  • Existing hull geometry retained to limit resistance and design risk
  • Optional range-extender generator burns HVO or biodiesel

Dutch ship design firm Conoship International has introduced a fully electric version of its CIP3800 general cargo vessel, built around a 40 MWh battery system.

The design carries 3,200 tonnes of cargo and can cover up to 650 nautical miles at 8 knots, or 350 nautical miles at 10 knots, on battery power alone, the company said in an emailed press release on Thursday.

Conoship says it has retained the existing CIP3800 hull geometry rather than adopting a new hull form, minimising hydrodynamic resistance and avoiding the technical and financial risks that come with an unproven design.

Batteries are split between forward and aft compartments to hold trim without additional water ballast, while the removal of fuel systems offsets the weight the batteries add, according to the firm.

For routes where shore power infrastructure is still developing, the vessel can be specified with a downsized range-extender generator running on HVO or biodiesel.

The Groningen-based company has built out the CIP series over several years, including a hybrid general cargo vessel whose construction began at Gelibolu Shipyard in Turkey.

Ship & Bunker News Team
To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected]