World's largest battery maker is taking EV tech to the seas

CATL holds 37% of the global EV battery market and 22% of the energy storage segment; it posted $10.4 billion net profit in 2025, up 42%.

The company has equipped roughly 900 ships with its batteries, most of them small nearshore vessels operating along China’s coastlines, at ports, or on inland waterways.

Su Yi leads CATL’s marine business unit, and CATL plans to more than double that marine team to about 500 employees this year.

CATL’s edge rests on lithium‑ion chemistry innovation, manufacturing scale, and cost reduction; overall battery prices have fallen 90% since 2010.

Maritime batteries must meet higher energy density, strict safety standards and saltwater durability; CATL is developing battery‑swapping for ships. Electrifying shipping supports China’s goal to cut dependence on imported fuels; the IMO aims to halve shipping emissions by 2050. Recent US‑Israeli strikes and the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted global energy supplies, and Neil Beveridge said long‑term electrification will accelerate the global megatrend.