Maritime technology association Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) has reported 3,049 battery-powered ships in operation or under construction worldwide as of October 2026.
In a document submitted to the IMO on October 20, ZESTAs said 2,124 of the vessels were operational, while another 925 were under construction.
Total battery capacity was estimated at around 3.5 GWh.
The number of vessels in operation or under construction has increased by 258% since 2023, while installed battery capacity has grown by approximately 300%, according to the document.
China has seen growing adoption of battery-swapping systems for inland and coastal vessels.
The report highlights COSCO-operated Greenwater 01 and Greenwater 02, two 654-TEU container ships equipped with battery systems offering capacities of up to 51.2 MWh each.
ZESTAs also reported that hydrogen fuel-cell systems had been installed or were nearing completion on 25 vessels in 2026, with a combined nominal output of 36 MW.
The number is projected to reach 44 vessels, with 71 MW of capacity, by 2029.
The document was submitted to the IMO’s 23rd Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships to provide updated information on the maturity of battery and hydrogen technologies.
The non-profit association received consultative status at the IMO in 2022.
