Image Credit: echandia.se

Maritime transport contributes around 3 % of global CO₂ emissions, and stricter emissions rules (IMO, EU ETS) are pushing industry-wide decarbonization. Diesel systems are common but polluting and costly. Ships operate in harsh environments, vibrations, salt, extremes of temperature demanding durable, reliable power storage. Conventional lithium-ion solutions often struggle with fire risk, degradation, and limited cycle life. Echandia, a Swedish startup, addresses these challenges by supplying maritime-grade Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) battery systems that are inherently safer, fast-charging, long-lasting, and compact. Ideal for electrifying ferries, tugboats, RoRo/RoPax ships, and offshore vessels.

Echandia was founded in 2018 in Stockholm. The name derives from Basque etxe handia (“big house”), symbolizing global ambition and collective impact. The company is currently led by executive team including Johan Ranstam, katja bergman, Anna Ljungdahl, Samira Aissi, Manuel Alamillo, Kate Danaher who bring deep expertise in maritime technology, energy systems, and international growth strategy. 

Echandia has successfully attracted significant investment to support its mission of electrifying the maritime sector. In March 2025, the company secured SEK 220 million (approximately €19.6 million) in a funding round led by Alantra’s Klima fund, with participation from Industrifonden, SEB Greentech VC, and Japanese investor EEI. This was followed by additional long-term financing of SEK 325 million (about USD 34 million) from S2G Investments in June 2025, bringing the total funding round to USD 54.6 million. These investments reflect strong confidence in Echandia’s battery systems and their potential to enable zero-emission shipping on a global scale.

Echandia’s portfolio centers on advanced maritime-certified battery systems based on Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) chemistry, designed for demanding marine environments. These systems are modular, compact, and up to 50% lighter than traditional alternatives, making them ideal for applications such as electric ferries, tugboats, RoRo vessels, and offshore support ships. For seafarers, Echandia’s solutions offer enhanced safety through fire-resistant cell chemistry and intelligent Battery Management Systems (BMS) that reduce the risk of system failure. 

For shipping companies, the benefits include lower fuel consumption, compliance with environmental regulations, reduced maintenance, and significant cost savings over the battery’s long service life, making daily operations cleaner, quieter, and more efficient.

Image Credit: echandia.se

Echandia’s technology works by integrating Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) battery systems with a robust Battery Management System (BMS) tailored specifically for maritime use. What sets this system apart is its ability to operate safely and efficiently in harsh marine environments, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to saltwater. The use of Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) chemistry ensures exceptional safety, as it is highly resistant to thermal runaway and fire hazards, a critical concern at sea. Additionally, their lightweight and compact design makes them easier to install on various vessel types without compromising space or stability. The BMS works by continuously monitoring each battery module’s voltage, current, and temperature, isolating faults without interrupting performance, and enabling rapid charging to support high-frequency routes. This creates a sustainable, low-maintenance power solution that revolutionizes how maritime transport is powered globally.

However, there are also some downsides to consider. LTO batteries generally have a higher upfront cost compared to conventional lithium-ion systems, and their lower energy density means more space is required for the same amount of stored energy. Furthermore, the full benefits of the technology depend on supporting infrastructure, such as shore-based high-speed chargers, which may not yet be available in all ports. Despite these challenges, the overall performance, safety, and sustainability benefits make Echandia’s solution a strong choice for forward-thinking maritime operators.

Echandia’s technology has been deployed in several high-profile maritime projects around the world, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. One of the most notable case studies is the Kochi Water Metro in India, where Echandia supplied battery systems for a fleet of 78 fully electric ferries, one of the largest such projects globally. In Europe, Echandia’s systems power electric commuter ferries operated by Arriva in Copenhagen and Aqualiner in Rotterdam, enabling quiet, zero-emission transit across busy waterways. In the U.S., Echandia was selected to supply energy storage solutions for the San Francisco Bay Ferry’s new zero-emission vessels under the REEF program, marking its expansion into North America. Another key deployment is with Molslinjen in Denmark, where Echandia’s batteries support hybrid ferry operations, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. These diverse use cases highlight the adaptability and performance of Echandia’s systems across different vessel types, climates, and operational demands.

Final Thoughts 

Echandia has emerged as a global leader in maritime battery technology, offering safe, efficient, and durable energy solutions tailored to the unique demands of marine operations. Through its cutting-edge Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) battery systems, Echandia addresses critical industry challenges such as emissions reduction, safety, and operational efficiency. While the technology comes with higher upfront costs and infrastructure requirements, its long-term benefits such as reduced maintenance, fast charging, and extended lifecycle clearly outweigh the drawbacks. As maritime decarbonization accelerates globally, Echandia is well-positioned to be at the forefront of the transition toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable shipping.

References:

Alantra. (2025, March 3). Echandia closes a €19.6 million financing round led by Alantra’s energy transition fund, Klima. Retrieved from https://www.alantra.com/newsroom/echandia-financing-klima 

GeekWire. (2025, June 24). Swedish maritime battery startup with manufacturing in Washington nets $34M. Retrieved from https://www.geekwire.com/2025/echandia-manufacturing-washington-34m 

WorkBoat. (2025, June 24). Swedish battery system supplier Echandia expanding in US market. Retrieved from https://www.workboat.com/technology/echandia-expanding-us-market 

Echandia. (n.d.). Echandia LTO – Power and safety. Retrieved from https://echandia.se/echandia-lto 

Echandia. (n.d.). Certifications and standards. Retrieved from https://echandia.se/certifications 

Echandia. (2025, May 10). Kochi Water Metro – First vessel in operation. Retrieved from https://echandia.se/news/kochi-water-metro-first-vessel 

Smart City Sweden. (n.d.). Echandia Marine AB. Retrieved from https://smartcitysweden.com/companies/1881/echandia-marine-ab 

ArcticStartup. (2025, June 26). Sweden’s Echandia raises $34M to scale zero-emission marine tech. Retrieved from https://arcticstartup.com/echandia-raises-34-million 

Axios Pro. (2025, June 24). Echandia raises another $11M for maritime batteries. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/echandia-raises-11m 

Contributor : Ariana Tri Asti
Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner