Skandiaverken participated in the ORTZE-CV project, the first initiative that led to the construction of an electric vessel in the Basque Country, now ready to sail the Cantabrian Sea.

ORTZE-CV is an R&D project focused on developing innovative and highly energy-efficient solutions to reduce pollutant emissions from coastal vessels. The initiative is led by a Basque consortium headed by Ingeteam, with the participation of maritime companies, research centers, universities, and vocational training institutes.

Launched in 2016, the project resulted in a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric batteries with a diesel generation plant, suitable for high-powered vessels. Thanks to this pioneering technology, ships can operate near the coast without emitting pollutants or noise.

This technology has been implemented on the training vessel ORTZE, operated by the Nautical and Fishing Vocational School of Pasaia (IES Náutico Pesquero de Pasaia), making it the first electric vessel designed, developed, and operated in Euskadi, with a unique system at the national level.

The project also aims to promote education and research in sustainable maritime transport. “The goal of the consortium is to contribute knowledge not only on electric ships but also on the ecosystem required for their operation,” explains Juanjo Varela. “Developing the project on a training vessel ensures that the maritime sector in Euskadi will soon have specialized professionals ready for this new era.”

The ORTZE-CV consortium includes Ingeteam Group, Skandiaverken, Ormazabal, Lasa Naval, Foro Marítimo Vasco, the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU) through the Bilbao School of Engineering, Mondragon Unibertsitatea, AZTI-Tecnalia, and the Nautical and Fishing Vocational School of Pasaia.

The project is part of the Hazitek 2017 Strategic R&D Program and is co-funded by the Basque Government’s Department of Economic Development and Infrastructure and the Basque Country ERDF Operational Program 2014–2020.