Fast ferry operator inks battery contract
Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has won a contract to power the world’s first fully electric intercontinental fast ferries between Europe and Africa.
Spanish ferry operator Baleària will operate the two catamaran ferries solely on electric propulsion throughout the 29-km voyage between Tarifa in the south of Spain and Tangier, Morocco at speeds of up to 26 knots.
AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said, “Our high quality, safe and cost-effective solutions will enable Baleària’s ferries to operate with zero emissions and help meet one of the priorities of the Spanish government, namely the decarbonisation of transport. AYK is one of the few manufacturers to produce batteries with lithium iron phosphate using a process that delivers capability, safety and a reliable long lifespan compared with the more volatile nickel manganese cobalt batteries.”
The twin fast ferries, which are being built by the Armon shipyard in Gijón, will have a capacity of 225 vehicles and 804 passengers.
Baleària new projects director Pablo Garcia said, “AYK’s advanced battery solutions will enable us, for the first time, to run an entire route using only electric energy and become a shining example of international transport sustainability.
“This project is pioneering, innovative and technologically advanced. Each journey will be completely decarbonised, which will not only avoid emissions but also eliminate noise and vibrations.”
Each ferry will have 13.8 MWh of electric power produced by four electric propulsion units fuelled by the batteries. An innovative system of autonomous robotic arms installed in Tangier and Tarifa will connect to onshore power supplies and enable the batteries to be recharged in just 40 minutes.
