Industry News
Wärtsilä to support optimized low-emission operations for two P&O Ferries vessels
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a lifecycle agreement with UK-based P&O Ferries to support two vessels – the M/V Pioneer and the M/V Liberté – for five years.
Hybrid propulsion and environmental sustainability
The agreement is designed to optimize and ensure minimal impact on the company’s operations while providing maintenance cost predictability.
The M/V Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the M/V Liberté is scheduled to enter service in early this year. The 230m long ships are said to be the world’s largest double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, UK, and Calais, France.
Liebherr provides electric adjustment system for Ayro’s wind-assisted cargo ship
Liebherr has provided its electric adjustment system to French industrial startup Ayro’s Canopée vessel – which it states is the first hybrid industrial cargo ship powered by wind.
The Canopée vessel has been equipped with four OceanWings. With a height of 37m and a surface area of 363m² each, this automated, lowerable and patented vertical wingsail technology has. been designed to help to reduce CO2 emissions by cutting fossil fuel consumption.
Ayro’s 37m wingsails require a special solution due to their size, especially regarding their electrical actuators. According to the partners, the Liebherr-Components team from Biberach an der Riss (Germany) brought the expertise needed for the wingsail system.
INTERVIEW: Helge Hermundsgård, business development manager at DNV Maritime
On December 13, 2023, the Norwegian Maritime Authority announced its recommendations for regulations for achieving zero emissions in the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords. Helge Hermundsgård, business development manager at DNV Maritime, elaborates on the implications of these regulations for cruise operators.
What is the background of these rules?
Two of the West Norwegian Fjords, the iconic fjords of Nærøyfjorden and Geirangerfjorden, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2005. Norway is entrusted with conserving these areas. In 2022, the Ministry of Climate and Environment tasked the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) to devise plans for achieving zero emissions from cruise ships, tourist boats and ferries in these World Heritage Sites and their surrounding fjords by 2026 at the latest, aligning with a parliamentary resolution.
First hybrid electric vessel constructed in South America will use a Corvus Energy battery
Corvus Energy will supply the battery energy storage system for the Magellan Discoverer – the first hybrid diesel-electric vessel to be constructed in South America.
Zero-emission battery
Corvus will supply an Orca Energy Storage system for zero-emission operation mode. The battery system will be part of ABB’s full power plant delivery on board the ship.
The Magellan Discoverer
The Magellan Discoverer has been designed to be a luxury polar expedition cruise ship. It will be built at the Chilean shipyard, Astilleros y Servicios Navales (ASENAV) for cruise operator Antarctica21.
The 93m, 163-passenger vessel will have technology on board for sustainable operation, such as solutions for regenerating energy from the lifts and heat exchangers that will collect warmed air before it is expelled outside.
Meridian Energy selects Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry for Lake Manapōuri service
Hydroelectric power generation company Meridian Energy has signed a deal with Swedish company Candela to power the electric hydrofoil ferry P-12 set to be introduced to New Zealand’s Lake Manapōuri.
Candela’s hydrofoil ferry
The Candela P-12 is expected to begin operating on Lake Manapouri in 2025. Meridian will be the the first customer outside Europe to take delivery of the electric shuttle.
The Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry will provide daily transportation for the staff and contractors servicing the hydropower Manapōuri Power Station. It is projected to save 240 tons of carbon emissions each year – equivalent to taking 52 petrol cars off the road.
ePropulsion transforms bamboo rafts into customized electric boats
Marine electric propulsion system provider ePropulsion has been contracted to transform bamboo rafts on the Li river in China into fully customized electric boats.
Electrified propulsion and thruster
The project is in the first phase of operation and has already seen 700 rafts electrified, with plans for the rest of the fleet to be converted soon. These electric propulsion systems – known as ‘longtail motors’ – feature a fully integrated design with a digital display screen, throttle handle module, cooling system, propeller and transmission shaft. They deliver a maximum power of 9kW.
The thruster is installed at the tail of the raft.
EXPO NEWS: EV Maritime exhibits its electric catamaran platform for ferries
EV Maritime is exhibiting its EVM200 – a 24.5m, 25kts electric catamaran platform with capacity for up to 200 passengers – at Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo North America.
According to the company, this carbon-fiber vessel brings safe, reliable, high-performance, fully electric operation to the passenger and excursion ferry sectors. The first two of these vessels are currently under construction at a shipyard in New Zealand and will launch in 2024. They have been funded by the New Zealand government for operation in Auckland’s commuter public transportation fleet.
Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo North America is running at the Long Beach Convention Center in California on March 13 and 14, 2024.
EXPO NEWS: Helix unveils core technology motors and inverters
Helix has unveiled its latest core technology motors and inverters at Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo North America, which the company claims set new standards for efficiency and performance in marine applications.
Helix has also debuted what it says is a groundbreaking submerged pod drive concept, promising enhanced maneuverability, reduced noise and increased hydrodynamic efficiency. This innovative design aims to transform the marine propulsion landscape and improve overall vessel performance. In addition to the submerged pod drive, the company has introduced an electric hybrid generator concept using its SPC330 product platform, offering a sustainable and flexible power source for marine applications.