Swedish company Echandia, a leader in zero-emission energy solutions for heavy-duty maritime electrification, opens a business development hub in Aberdeen to serve the UK market. The UK market for maritime electrification is growing with increased demand for maritime battery systems. Echandia sets up local presence to meet that demand.

The UK hub will be headed by former Caterpillar executive Richard Davidson, a senior maritime and industrial professional. Mr. Davidson has an extensive professional background from maritime and heavy-duty technical roles, from companies like Berg Propulsion, Caterpillar, and Global Marine Service Group. At Echandia, he will take on the role as Business Development Manager for the UK market.

The global market for maritime electrification is entering an intense growth phase. A recent DNV report highlights a growth of batteries from 0,3 percent of current ships in operation, to 3,85 percent for ships in the orderbook 2021. This is driven by political ambitions to reduce shipping emissions to absolute zero by 2050, and the ambition that zero-emission vessels will enter commercial service already by 2025.

Magnus Eriksson, CEO and founder of Echandia:

“Echandia is expanding fast, both through existing global customers such as Damen Shipyards, and through geographic expansion with satellite offices in key markets. Richard is an experienced maritime and industry professional and I’m excited that he is joining our team. He will drive Echandia’s growth agenda in the UK.”

Richard Davidson, Business Development Manager, Echandia in the UK:

“I am proud an excited to be joining Echandia and contribute to zero-emission shipping. Electrification of large vessels is growing fast, and I see great opportunities with our LTO-based systems, that can handle challenging operational profiles and high c-rates, combined with superior safety characteristics. Everyone in the industry is looking for the right technology-fit and Echandia is in the pole-position in this transformation.”