Engineering firm Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) and e-Link Commuting Co Ltd (e-Link), a start-up that designs shuttle boats, will collaborate to develop a new class of waterway vessels
According to both companies, these vessels will be powered entirely by sustainable energy.
To design and build the new class of vessels, the companies will combine their expertise and experience of using sustainable energy. e-Link will focus on the technical aspects of the boat design, the shuttle build and assembly, while AKA’s team will design the vessel’s power system, drivetrain propulsion and will add hydrogen fuel-cells to help extend the battery life of the e-Link shuttle platform.
“This environmental consciousness is a fundamental component to how we are designing the power system and propulsion systems for our eLC Shuttle platform,” said e-Link co-founder Alan Burland.
“We recognise there will be ongoing innovations in battery technology, shore-power recharging, and drivetrain technology requiring foresight and dedication, which is why our collaboration with AKA and other strategic partners will lead to our success.”
Aspin Kemp has been delivering hybrid propulsion systems to the global marine industry since 2007, and has previously partnered with MAN Energy Solutions. The company designs, manufactures and supports power and propulsion assets for marine, offshore oil and gas, and land-based industries.
e-Link aims to introduce a /water taxi shuttle platform operating commercially in major waterways around the world. These vessels are designed to be small-scale, fully electric, cost-efficient, to meet net-zero climate change goals and withstand marine and weather conditions around the world. Each shuttle has been modularly designed for ease of transport within 40-ft containers, carrying passengers or light cargo.
