The Norwegian RORO company United European Car Carriers (UECC) has for a long time been a pioneer in sustainable shipping. As part of the company’s strategy to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, UECC has implemented WE Tech Solutions’ (WE Tech) hybrid power systems, including shaft generators, battery energy storage systems, and DC-bus technology on three newbuild vessels. The cooperation between the companies shows UECC’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies that support its goals and drive the maritime industry towards a lower-emission future.
Picture 1: From left to right, Roar Olsen (UECC), Kasper Breistein (WE Tech), Jan Thore Foss (UECC), Thomasz Sliwa (UECC), & Petter Bodman (WE Tech). Picture: Netta Weijo (WE Tech).
Driving sustainability through innovation
UECC has a clear goal to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations. Thus, the decision to invest in hybrid technology was a certain choice for the company.
“Part of UECC’s strategy is to operate the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly vessels as possible, aiming for zero emissions,” Jan Thore Foss, Head of Newbuilding at UECC, explains.
Environmental performance has been a key focus area for the company for many years. “ESD is definitely a very important subject for us. Reducing emissions in both the air and the sea is crucial, and we aim to reduce them to an absolute minimum,” Roar Olsen, Head of Ship Management at UECC, says.
The collaboration between UECC and WE Tech started in 2019. Back to then, UECC selected WE Tech to deliver the hybrid shaft generator solution for three dual-fuel vessels. The integration of WE Tech’s shaft generators and battery systems enabled the company to significantly reduce the use of auxiliary engines, improve overall energy utilization onboard while reducing the environmental footprint.
From understanding UECC’s operational needs and delivering reliable project execution to providing responsive lifecycle support, the cooperation has helped build long-term trust and create value beyond individual vessel deliveries.
Seamless onboard experience with reliable support
A key strength highlighted by UECC is the overall user experience. The system is designed to minimise complexity for the crew, combining a high level of automation with intuitive operation. This allows the crew to focus on core vessel operations rather than system management. “The feedback from the crew is very good. They are very happy with the solution. It is user-friendly, and once the correct operating mode is selected, the system handles the rest automatically,” Thomasz Sliwa, Technical Superintendent of newbuilding at UECC, says.
By simplifying daily operation, the system reduces manual workload and lowers the risk of human error. Crews can quickly become confident users without needing extensive intervention, which is particularly valuable in real operating conditions where clarity and reliability are critical.
In addition to usability, the system provides reassurance in critical situations. The integrated battery functionality acts as a seamless safety net, ensuring continuity of power without requiring immediate crew action. “If you have a blackout, it will not immediately go dark because the battery kicks in and keeps you running for a considerable amount of time,” Olsen explains. This automatic response further enhances the user experience by removing pressure from the crew during high-stress situations, while safeguarding essential operations and onboard systems.
Picture 2: UECC’s M/V Auto Advance equipped with WE Tech’s hybrid shaft generator solution.
Beyond the onboard experience, WE Tech’s support model plays a decisive role in delivering long-term value. From the implementation phase onward, structured training ensured that both operators and maintenance personnel were well prepared. As experience has grown, this has translated into smoother operations and greater operational confidence.
A clear differentiator, however, is the speed and effectiveness of support when issues do occur. Through remote access and real-time data availability, WE Tech can diagnose and resolve many issues without physical attendance. “We can relatively quickly fix problems remotely, which otherwise would have been postponed until the next port call,” Olsen notes. This capability significantly reduces downtime and avoids operational delays, ensuring that vessels can continue operating without interruption.
UECC also highlights WE Tech’s responsiveness as a major advantage compared to typical industry support models: “The response is excellent from WE Tech’s side. Data can be downloaded quickly, analysed remotely, and solutions can often be implemented in a very short time.”
The combination of fast response, data-driven diagnostics, and remote intervention means that problems are not only solved but solved quickly, often before they escalate. For operators, this means a smoother, more predictable operating experience with less disruption and dependency on port-based service.
Combining batteries and shaft generators for greater efficiency
UECC was among the first shipping companies in the world that introduced large-scale battery hybrid technology on PCTCs. The hybrid solution combines shaft generators, batteries, and intelligent energy management systems to optimize vessel operations in various operating conditions. The system allows electrical power to be generated by the highly efficient main engine when the vessel is sailing. This leads to a reduced need of auxiliary generators. At the same time, the battery system also helps to manage peak loads and optimizes generator operation both at sea and in port.
“We can keep the generators operating in their most efficient load range. That lowers fuel consumption and improves overall energy efficiency,” Sliwa notes.
The batteries also play an important role during port operations, where reduced generator usage helps lower local emissions such as NOx and particulate matter. “Battery technology is the future in many ways, especially in short-sea shipping. By reducing emissions in port, we improve not only our global footprint but also the air quality,” Olsen adds.
Picture 3: WE Tech’s hybrid shaft generator solution delivered to UECC including WE Drive, Permanent Magnet Shaft Generator, DC-bus Switchboard, and ESS.
A strong partnership built on innovation and trust
UECC describes its cooperation with WE Tech as constructive, responsive, and focused on long-term development. “From day one, we had a great feeling with WE Tech. The technology, the experience, and the cooperation were all very attractive to UECC,” Foss says.
Over the years, the cooperation with WE Tech has helped UECC optimize vessel operations, reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, improve operational flexibility, and compliant with environmental regulations. At the same time, the project has demonstrated how advanced hybrid technology can successfully be integrated into commercial shipping operations.
As more shipping companies explore battery and hybrid solutions, UECC continues to share its experiences with industry peers. “We are on a common journey with other shipping companies. If we all learn together, it becomes a benefit for the entire industry,” Olsen notes.
The successful implementation of WE Tech’s solutions demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability can create measurable benefits for both operators and the environment.
UECC in brief
United European Car Carriers (UECC) is a pioneering industry leader in sustainable, high-quality short sea transportation, delivering efficient and reliable solutions for RoRo shipment of cars and all types of rolling cargo across Europe.
WE Tech Solutions in brief
WE Tech Solutions is a leading energy solution provider with a global presence in the shipping industry. The company specialises in supplying solutions based on variable frequency drives, permanent magnet generator technology, DC-bus power distribution and energy management systems. Our solutions, suitable for new buildings and for retrofits, bring numerous benefits to the shipping industry worldwide.
Read more: www.wetech.fi
