Source: safety4sea.com

The maritime sector, responsible for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is facing very public calls to decarbonize from governments as well as activist shareholders. The urgent need to reduce emissions has led shipbuilders and operators to explore zero-emission alternatives to fossil fuel propulsion. Efforts by regulatory bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) to introduce stringent carbon emission targets, has added urgency to the search for viable renewable energy systems. One potential path forward comes from Corvus Energy, a pioneer in marine energy storage systems (ESS). The company has developed a transformative solution using advanced lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell technology that offer robust, scalable battery systems that can significantly cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions. These systems are positioned to support both hybrid and fully electric vessels, thereby supporting cleaner maritime operations.

Founded in 2009 in Vancouver, Canada, under the leadership of CEO Brent Perry, Corvus Energy has grown into a global company with key facilities in Norway, Canada, and the United States. The company specializes in modular lithium-ion ESS and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, both designed specifically for the demanding conditions of marine environments. Corvus has raised approximately $24.7 million across various funding rounds, including a $20 million Series B round in August 2019 led by Shell Ventures, another Series B round in January 2024 with participation from Woven Capital, BW Group, Norsk Hydro, and Equinor, as well as $4.9 million in debt funding from Export Development Canada in 2017. The company also received EU grants totaling $864,000 in 2019 and 2020.

Corvus Energy’s flagship products include several innovative systems. The Orca ESS is a high-performance Li-NMC system designed for tugs, ferries, and offshore vessels, offering fast charging and discharging capabilities. The Blue Whale ESS is a large-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system ideal for cruise ships and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels. The Dolphin NxtGen is a compact, modular system best suited for inland vessels and short-sea ferries. The Pelican Fuel Cell System extends zero-emission capabilities with PEM fuel cells. These systems collectively offer fuel savings of 15–25% nitrogen oxide (NOx) reductions of up to 40.

The company’s technology integrates lithium-ion battery modules directly into ship propulsion and auxiliary systems. These batteries handle electrical loads and can power vessels during peak demand or operate them entirely in electric mode. They are recharged via shore connections or diesel generators and include marine-grade construction features like thermal management and fire suppression systems to meet rigorous classification standards such as those from DNV and Lloyd’s Register. In hybrid vessels, the batteries facilitate peak shaving and load leveling, allowing engines to run more efficiently. For fully electric vessels, the systems power both propulsion and hotel loads, which is essential for ferries and cruise ships operating in emission-restricted areas. With the recent integration of fuel cells, Corvus now supports longer-duration zero-emission voyages where batteries alone are insufficient. These ESS solutions are scalable to various vessel types, from harbor tugs to large offshore support vessels, ensuring operational flexibility while complying with global environmental regulations.

Corvus Energy’s systems have demonstrated proven safety and performance in over 1,300 installations. Their modular and scalable design adapts to a wide range of vessel sizes and has received approval from all major maritime classification societies. They deliver considerable fuel and emission savings and benefit from strategic backing by leading global energy and industrial firms. However, the systems come with certain trade-offs. The initial investment is higher than traditional diesel systems, and battery weight and volume can reduce available cargo space. Additionally, batteries degrade over time and require lifecycle management, and fully electric solutions remain limited to short-range or hybrid vessels.

Yet, many high-profile companies have shown eagnerness to move forward with deployments, underscoring the effectiveness of Corvus Energy’s solutions. These include the Bibby Marine eCSOV, a 25MW fully electric offshore vessel set to launch in 2027; the Crowley eWolf, the first U.S. electric ship-assist tug; the North Sea Giant, a DP3-class vessel equipped with Corvus ESS for dynamic positioning; and Havila Voyages’ cruises through Norway’s fjords using zero-emission battery operations. Corvus maintains strong partnerships with entities such as Woven Capital (Toyota) for hydrogen and PEM development. The company also operates a joint venture with Sumitomo for market expansion in Japan.

Corvus Energy exemplifies the potential of clean energy innovation within the maritime industry. Its scalable, modular battery and fuel cell technologies offer shipowners a practical path toward meeting environmental regulations while improving operational efficiency. As the shipping industry accelerates its transition to low-carbon technologies, Corvus Energy stands at the forefront of this global transformation.

References

Burkley, M. (2024, Feb 20). Maritime battery supplier Corvus Energy receives investment from Toyota’s Woven Capital. Charged EVs.

Corvus Energy. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://corvusenergy.com
Industryeurope. (2019, June 3). Corvus Energy launches groundbreaking maritime battery.

MarineLink. (2025, June 9). Corvus Energy.

Safety4Sea. (2024, June 20). Corvus Energy receives DNV approval for energy storage system.

Tracxn. (2025, Apr 25). Corvus Energy – Funding & Investors.

Woven Capital. (2024, Jan 25). Woven Capital invests in Corvus Energy.

Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Corvus Energy. Wikipedia.

Contributor : Ariana Tri Asti

Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner