The marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured a contract to power the world’s first fully electric intercontinental fast ferries between Europe and Africa.
The Spanish ferry operator Baleària will operate the twin catamarans solely on electric propulsion during the 18-mile journey between Tarifa in southern Spain and Tangier, Morocco, at speeds of up to 26 knots.
“It is an honor for AYK to have been selected by Baleària as the supplier for this advanced battery solution. And we appreciate the support in this operation from Vulkan Española, AYK’s agent in Spain, led by José Ignacio Cuenca and his team,” stated Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy.
“AYK is one of the few manufacturers that produces lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries through a process that offers capacity, safety, and a long and reliable lifespan compared to the more volatile nickel, manganese, and cobalt batteries,” emphasized Kruger.
Pablo García, Director of New Projects at Baleària, specified that “AYK’s advanced battery solutions will allow us for the first time to complete a route using only electric power and become a clear example of sustainability in international transport.”
The two twin fast ferries, which are being built by the Armon shipyard in Gijón, will have a capacity for 225 vehicles and 804 passengers.
Each ferry will have 13.8 MWh of electrical energy produced by four battery-powered electric propulsion units. An innovative system of autonomous robotic arms, installed in Tangier and Tarifa, will connect to the onshore power supplies and will allow the batteries to be recharged in just 40 minutes.
