Electric ferries will be soon starting to make various services across the globe. The Electric ferry Solavagen became another successful ferry to start its operation. Read to know more about this achievement and how it is shaping the future marine transportation.
Early Use of Electric Boats
Electric boats powered by electricity have been used for the past 120 years. But after the 1970s energy crisis, the use of electric power in marine engineering is quite high. The first electric sailboat to complete a round-the-world tour was the EcoSailing project. The sailboat transited through Panama canal.
Rise of All-Electric Ferries
Ferries are aggressively adopting electric power for propulsion since the first few all-electric ferries were a success. E-Ferry Ellen was the world’s largest all-electric ferry that has made its 22 nautical miles maiden voyage connecting the island of Aero and the mainland of Denmark.
Advantages of Electrifying Cargo Transport
Electrifying cargo transport on the sea can be done on regular routes as one can calculate the range and duration for charging and usage of batteries on an all-electric ferry. The operators of the first all-electric ferry in Norway, the ‘Ampere’, reported some impressive statistics after operating the ship for over two years. Authorities claim that all-electric ferries have cut emissions by 95% and costs by 80%.
After the results of the electric ferries were let out, many shipbuilding companies have given orders for all-electric ferries and conversion of diesel to electric.
Global Expansion of Electric Ferries
Many international routes are electrified now, notes Maritronics the marine services companies in UAE. New York is on the way to get its first electric ferry and we are all excited to work on one, adds Maritronics.
Launching of the New Norwegian Ferries
The first of a series of four new electric vessels for a Norwegian shipowner (B619/1) was launched on 23 September last year using a floating dock, which was manufactured by Remontowa shipbuilding company. The launching of the second vessel (B619/2) took place on February 18th and the procedure was the same as for launching vessel number one.
Propulsion and Charging Technology
The ferries will be operated using two azimuth thrusters with electric motors and two generating sets. In the standard mode of operation, all power will be drawn from batteries which can be recharged during berthing.
Recharging is done on fast mode with plugging type which maintains required battery power. It is integrated with an automatic vacuum system that can hold the ferry at the quay and gives confirmation regarding the charging process.
Hybrid Operation and Efficiency
The ships are made hybrid which means they can be operated completely on biodiesel as well as electric. The ferry’s propulsion is also very effective. The thrusters will be pulling type with built-in electric motors.
Contribution of Remontowa Holding Group
Over the past 20 years, Remontowa Holding Group’s shipbuilding company has manufactured over a hundred ferries for different ship owners. The Norled’s fleet currently consists of 80 ferries of which 6 are made by Remontowa.
They have delivered complete LNG powered ships with cylinders on deck in case of CNG failures. The first electric ferry was delivered at the end of June and has already started service. The third ferry is currently under construction. The equipment work is underway and most of the cable works have been carried out.
Ongoing Developments
The fourth ferry is made with new technological inserts and installations of equipment, as well as the on-going hot works. The second half of the month is scheduled for cable-laying. LMG Marin design company has designed the ferries, while Marine Design and Consultation company worked on the documentation of the project.
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