Lübeck, 17 September 2025 – The “Kaptein NMC Compass Core” battery system from Lübeck-based manufacturer TESVOLT OCEAN has been approved by the multinational engineering consultancy, inspection and certification group RINA for use in inland and seagoing vessels. The battery successfully passed all functional and stress tests, demonstrating its safety and robustness. The Compass Core was developed as an e-drive specifically for smaller vessels and is also suitable for retrofitting on ships with very limited space on board. Weighing only 5.9 kg per kWh, the battery module is significantly lighter than conventional marine batteries and also charges particularly quickly. The Compass Core has been optimised for ship projects with very limited budgets.
Particularly safe thanks to module-integrated protection mechanisms
“The Kaptein Compass Core battery module has passed all RINA tests for the type approval certification of lithium battery systems,” reports Patrizio Di Francesco, North Europe Special Projects Manager and Principal Engineer at RINA Germany in Hamburg. “TESVOLT OCEAN’s protection concepts are thoughtfully integrated and make an important contribution to system safety on board. In the event of critical battery temperatures, a multi-stage protection system is activated. The battery module has also proven to be extremely robust.”
Charges very quickly and is particularly light
“RINA applies high standards and works for more than 100 flag administrations worldwide, making it highly experienced in the technical inspection of ship components. We are therefore all the more pleased that the Kaptein Compass Core has received approval for inland and seagoing vessels from RINA and can now, so to speak, set sail,” says Frank Richter, Portfolio Manager at TESVOLT OCEAN. “In fact, the demand for suitable, safe battery systems for clean ship propulsion is very high, as more and more ports are refusing entry to vessels without clean propulsion. While there are many battery systems on the market, they are all heavier than the Kaptein Compass Core and mostly charge very slowly.” The Kaptein Compass Core offers a 4 C rate – the highest C-rate currently available in the maritime industry.
Optimised for vessels with little space
The Compass Core battery modules – like the other TESVOLT OCEAN modules – can be installed individually and at any angle within the ship. Measuring 60.5 cm in length and 14.9 cm in height, they fit into almost any niche. They can also be laid directly on the floor; being vibration-resistant, they can then be walked on once installed. Thanks to their low weight, the Compass Core modules can be carried by two people and installed – without a crane – even in hard-to-reach areas of the vessel. The battery system also requires only ambient air cooling, which further simplifies installation and ensures lower maintenance costs.
About TESVOLT OCEAN
TESVOLT OCEAN, based in Lübeck, develops high-performance battery storage solutions specifically designed for the demanding conditions at sea. The Navigator, Compass Core and Compass systems cover different requirements – from high-performance propulsion to retrofitting ship electrification in very limited installation spaces. With its innovative products and services, TESVOLT OCEAN is setting new standards in Europe’s maritime energy supply.
TESVOLT OCEAN is part of the TESVOLT Group. TESVOLT AG has specialised in battery storage solutions for commerce and industry for more than 10 years and has received multiple awards for its innovations.
www.tesvolt-ocean.com
About RINA
RINA, a leading certification and engineering company, provides a wide range of services in the fields of energy, shipping, infrastructure and mobility, certification, industry and real estate. RINA works on behalf of 122 flag administrations and is among the world’s most powerful classification societies. It also supports the shipping industry in meeting the CO₂ reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
With revenues of €915 million in 2024, 6,200 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organisations and makes a significant contribution to the development of new regulatory standards.
Press contact
Vera Neuhäuser
Tel: +49 30 221 83 82 49
Mobile: +49 178 53 68 425
E-mail: vera.neuhaeuser@sunbeam-communications.com
by Cicero Design
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