Press release
SCHMID Energy Systems Wins Contract from Portliner to Build Flow Battery for Next-Generation Container Ship – Expands into Maritime Market
Freudenstadt, Germany – August 20th, 2025 – SCHMID Energy System GmbH has been awarded a major contract by Dutch shipping company Portliner to design and construct a large-scale flow battery system with up to 1.5 MW of peak power. This state-of-the-art energy storage solution will serve as the primary power source for the zero-emission propulsion of an all-new container vessel.
This landmark project marks SCHMID Energy System’s entry into the maritime propulsion market and strengthens its position as a pioneer in sustainable energy storage solutions for shipping. The chosen flow battery technology offers high energy density, exceptional longevity, and flexible charging and discharging capabilities- all critical requirements for the reliable operation of large cargo vessels on long-haul routes. It allows charging the battery from onshore electrical charger or for very fast charging swapping of discharged electrolyte with charged electrolyte from charging pontoons will be developed.
“This contract is a major strategic milestone for our company,” said Henrik Buschmann, Vice President BU Energy Systems, SCHMID Group.
“We are leveraging decades of experience in innovative energy systems to enter the maritime sector for the first time, sending a strong signal for sustainable solutions worldwide. Partnering with Portliner allows us to combine technological excellence with a clear commitment to environmental and climate protection.”
Portliner is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration.
“With SCHMID Energy Systems, we have found a partner that not only brings deep technical expertise but also shares our vision for clean, future-proof shipping,” said Ton van Meegen, CEO, Portliner.
“The flow battery will enable us to operate our container ships entirely emission-free, making a tangible contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in global trade.”
The vessel will operate without any fossil fuels, directly contributing to the decarbonization of maritime freight transport and supporting international climate goals.
Upon successful delivery of this project, SCHMID Energy Systems intends to further advance maritime applications of its flow battery technology – from cargo ships and ferries and swimming electrolyte pontoons.
About SCHMID Energy Systems and its Shareholders
SCHMID Energy Systems (SES) is a joint venture owned by the German SCHMID Group and the Pekintaş Group from Turkey. SES develops and delivers the EverFlow® vanadium redox flow battery portfolio, offering scalable and safe stationary storage solutions ranging from commercial and industrial applications to multi-megawatt installations.
Based on more than a decade of R&D in Germany and, since 2025, strengthened by the manufacturing and market expertise of the Pekintaş Group in Turkey, SES combines maximum performance, high product quality, safety, and full recyclability. SES is responsible for system development and international sales outside Turkey and neighboring regions.
The Pekintaş Group is a leading photovoltaic module manufacturer in Turkey and provides turnkey solar energy solutions. It operates two state-of-the-art factories in Düzce with a total annual production capacity of 3 GW.
Within the joint venture, a dedicated company, OC Teknoloji, is currently being established in Turkey to set up large-scale serial production of EverFlow® systems for both local and global markets.
More information:
https://everflow-energy.com/
https://schmid-group.com/
https://www.pekintasgroup.com/
Portliner – Pioneering Zero Emission Inland Shipping
Portliner is dedicated to the development and operation of zero-emission vessels, focusing on both the construction of production-ready all-electric ships and the rental of fully electrified inland shipping vessels. With sustainability at the heart of its mission, Portliner strives to revolutionize inland waterway transport by drastically reducing its carbon footprint.
At the core of Portliner’s vision is the transition towards “zero-emission” inland shipping, achieved through the deployment of advanced all-electric vessels powered by flow battery technology. These batteries not only enable extended operational range and flexible charging cycles but also provide a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-fuel-based propulsion systems.
The company strongly believes that the market potential for all-electric vessels is immense. This conviction is reinforced by the European Green Deal, which sets a clear trajectory towards the decarbonization of inland waterway transport. The Green Deal establishes an ambitious pathway for the maritime sector, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, and encourages the stepwise reduction of emissions in inland shipping.
With its innovative approach and forward-looking solutions, Portliner is uniquely positioned to play a central role in this transition. By offering both vessel production and rental models, the company ensures that a wide range of operators can benefit from sustainable shipping solutions – accelerating the adoption of zero-emission technology across all waterways in the world.
More information is available at: www.portliner.nl/