Rhys BerryAustralian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania, technology group Wärtsilä and zero-emission solutions provider Corvus Energy are pooling their expertise to develop the world’s largest 100% electric Ro-Pax ferry.
The vessel, which is currently under construction, is being built for South American ferry company Buquebus. With more than 40 MWh of energy storage, the vessel, which is scheduled for completion in 2025, will operate between Uruguay and Argentina, carrying 2,100 passengers and 226 vehicles.
‘We are very happy to have taken this big leap forward towards decarbonised operations. Incat Tasmania has always been at the forefront of innovating and pioneering new technology and design, and this project further cements our market position,’ said Robert Clifford, founder and Chairman of Incat.
‘The design addresses the market’s needs and requirements by utilising batteries, making it a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets.
‘We would also like to thank Wärtsilä for supporting us with an extremely efficient, completely integrated propulsion package, and are really looking forward to working with them to make this project a huge success.’
The 130-metre-long vessel will be fully battery powered, with e-motor driven Wärtsilä waterjets as the main propulsors. According to Wärtsilä, the battery modules and energy storage system package is four times larger than on any electric/hybrid ship currently operating.
The full Wärtsilä scope of supply includes Wärtsilä’s own energy management system, the power conversion system, DC shore charging system, the 40 MWh battery modules, the DC hub, the eight electric motors, eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for the latter part of 2024.
‘The overall high-efficiency of this next-generation ferry represents a game-changing advance in catamaran design. We are proud to have contributed our strong know-how in integrating our ship electrification solutions and propulsion equipment,’ said Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business.
‘The battery power pack that we are supplying will be the largest ever supplied with a unique eight waterjet propulsor configuration. The eight e-motor waterjet propulsion configuration is the most efficient available on today’s market for this speed range and type application while boasting all the benefits from Wärtsilä’s axial flow waterjet technology – low weight, shallow draft, superb manoeuvrability, and low maintenance.’
This vessel will feature Corvus’ latest lightweight battery, Dolphin NextGen. The design is based on the architecture of the 4-year, multi-million development programme for the Corvus Blue Whale ESS. According to Corvus, the Dolphin NextGen ESS ‘is a game changer for marine battery projects’ due to its low weight and volumetric density, robustness, and ‘unsurpassed’ flexibility.
‘This groundbreaking project marks a turning point in the maritime industry’s effort to transition towards greener means of transportation,’ said Halvard Hauso Commercial Director Europe, Corvus Energy. ‘Combining cutting-edge technology, environmental consciousness, and innovative design, it redefines the future of ferry operations worldwide and paves the way for other large, zero-emission vessels. We are very grateful that Wärtsilä once again chose Corvus Energy as their partner for such an important and advanced project.’
Image: Incat
Ian Taylor
