Hybrid Seagoing Ferry
Details of the propulsion system of the world’s first seagoing hybrid ferry have been released, following the announcement of the start of construction. Two ROPAX (roll-on, roll-off passenger) ferries are contracted to Ferguson Shipbuilders, Scotland by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) for delivery in May and August 2013.
Caption: Drawing of world’s first seagoing hybrid ROPAX ferry.
Image credit: CMAL
The vessel has a LOA of 142 ft (43.5 m), beam 40 ft (12.2 m) and draft of 5.7 ft (1.73 m) with 135 tonnes deadweight. Maximum capacity is 23 automobiles, 2 heavy good vehicles and 150 passengers. The ferry is designed to operate on a wide range of routes at all tidal states that may include some small islands with steep loading ramps with a gradient of as much as 1:8.
The hybrid propulsion system consists of three Volvo Penta D13 generator sets of 360 kW at 1500 rpm, two 700 kWh lithium ion battery groups and two 375 kW electric propulsion motors, each driving a Voith Schneider propulsion unit. Model tank tests carried out at the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) predict a cruising speed of 9 kn with a draft of 5.7 ft (1.73 m) that requires only 276 kW, thus in normal use, with good weather one genset is sufficient to supply the needs of the ferry, with a further two gensets in reserve.
It is planned to use a shore to ship power supply during overnight ferry stopovers for hotel load and battery charging, thereby eliminating exhaust, vibration and noise emissions.
The overall advantages for using a hybrid propulsion systems is an estimated 20 per cent reduction in harmful emissions with zero emissions in harbor and fuel savings between five and ten per cent.
Caption: Block diagram of the Modes of Operation.
Image credit: CMAL
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