EST-Floattech has signed a long-term framework contract with Rolls-Royce Power Systems to supply the ‘Green Orca 1050’ battery module on board 10 newbuild vessels.
The first order of the new partnership is about 33 lithium polymer battery modules of the ‘Green Orca 1050’ series as part of nine hybrid fast ferries for Italian operator Liberty Lines equipped with mtu hybrid propulsion packs supplied by Rolls-Royce Power Systems. Each of the modules has a capacity of 10.5 kWh.
The sister vessels of identical design will be built at the Spanish shipyard Armon between April 2023 and April 2024. The vessels are scheduled to set sail between 2023 and 2026 for ferry operations between Sicily and Croatia and between smaller Italian islands.
The ships will be equipped with Rolls-Royce integrated mtu hybrid propulsion systems, each comprising two mtu 16-cylinder Series 4000M65L engines, two gearboxes, two e-motors and electric systems, two variable-speed gensets, a battery system, switchboard and electrical power management system, and an mtu hybrid automation system, which monitors and controls not only the hybrid propulsion system, but also various ship area systems.
The vessels will use different operating modes as needed: Purely electric, they can enter and leave ports quietly and with zero emissions at a speed of eight knots; in hybrid mode they can reach high speed in cruise mode when traveling across the sea whilst simultaneously charging the batteries by the two main engines and eliminating the need to operate the gensets for hotel load. During longer stops the batteries are charged by means of the shore power supply. Liberty Lines will have the ability to continually remotely monitor the status of the complete propulsion system via the mtu remote monitoring system.
Source: Liberty Lines
Liberty Lines is adding nine hybrid diesel-electric fast ferries to its existing fleet of ferries.
The nine mtu Hybrid PropulsionPacks with Series 4000M65L engines will have significantly reduced exhaust particulate emissions compared to Liberty Lines’ currently operating engines, and the mtu SCR exhaust aftertreatment systems, will also greatly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. On a kW power output basis, the engines alone in the new hybrid propulsion system will reduce CO2 emissions by 8%, soot emissions by 62% and NOx emissions by 83% compared to the fleet’s current propulsion systems. The new vessels will meet the IMO Tier III emissions standard.
The tenth battery system ordered from EST-Floattech is for a 76-metre mega yacht from Turkish yacht builder Turquoise Yachts, which will be supplied with 1,512 kWh of battery power. Delivery of the propulsion pack is planned for 2023, and the yacht is scheduled to be taken into service in 2025.
