Incat Tasmania has selected the Finnish tech company's battery electric propulsion system and waterjets for the 130 m long zero-emission, lightweight vessel.
The full scope of supply includes Wärtsilä's energy management, power conversion and DC shore charging systems (and DC hub), 40MWh battery modules (provided by Corvus Energy), eight electric motors, eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system.
Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for the latter part of 2024.
"The battery modules and energy storage system package is four times larger than on any electric/hybrid ship currently operating," Wärtsilä underlined in a press release.
The catamaran for Uruguayan Buquebus will be delivered in 2025, offering room for 2,100 passengers and her crew plus space for 225 cars operating between Argentina and Uruguay.
"We are very happy to have taken this big leap forward towards decarbonised operations. Incat Tasmania has always been at the forefront of innovating and pioneering new technology and design, and this project further cements our market position. The design addresses the market's needs and requirements by utilising batteries, making it a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets. We would also like to thank Wärtsilä for supporting us with an extremely efficient, completely integrated propulsion package, and are really looking forward to working with them to make this project a huge success," said Robert Clifford, Founder and Chairman of Incat.
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä's Marine Power, added, "The overall high efficiency of this next-generation ferry represents a game-changing advance in catamaran design. We are proud to have contributed our strong know-how in integrating our ship electrification solutions and propulsion equipment. The battery power pack that we are supplying will be the largest ever supplied with a unique eight waterjet propulsor configuration. The eight e-motor waterjet propulsion configuration is the most efficient available on today's market for this speed range and type application while boasting all the benefits from Wärtsilä's axial flow waterjet technology – low weight, shallow draft, superb manoeuvrability, and low maintenance."
"This groundbreaking project marks a turning point in the maritime industry's effort to transition towards greener means of transportation. Combining cutting-edge technology, environmental consciousness, and innovative design, it redefines the future of ferry operations worldwide and paves the way for other large, zero-emission vessels," underlined Halvard Hauso, Commercial Director Europe, Corvus Energy.
He furthered, "We are very grateful that Wärtsilä once again chose Corvus Energy as their partner for such an important and advanced project."
His company shared in a press brief, "This project is made possible by Corvus' latest technological breakthrough - the lightweight battery, Dolphin NextGen. The design is based on the architecture of the 4-year, multi-million development program for the Corvus Blue Whale ESS. The Blue Whale development included a ground-up redesign that reevaluated and improved every aspect of battery design, including battery chemistry, mechanical and electrical design, and software building blocks. The Dolphin NextGen ESS is a game changer for marine battery projects due to its low weight and volumetric density, robustness, and unsurpassed flexibility."
Photo: Incat Tasmania