Wärtsilä, a technology group, has announced that its battery electric propulsion system and waterjets will power the world’s largest battery electric ship.
Buquebs, Incat’s long-term South American customer, has ordered a new ferry being built by Incat Tasmania.
The ferry, with an overall length of 130 metres, will be the longest vessel of its kind ever built. It will also be the world’s first zero-emission catamaran.
Wärtsilä’s order was placed in July 2023.
The vessel will be entirely battery powered, with e-motor-driven Wärtsilä waterjets serving as the primary propulsion system.
The battery modules and energy storage system package is four times larger than on any electric/hybrid ship currently operating.
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Robert Clifford, Founder and Chairman of Incat, said: “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.”
Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power Business, stated: “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.”
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Wärtsilä’s whole scope of supply comprises the company’s own energy management system, the power conversion system, the DC shore charging system, the 40 MWh battery modules, the DC hub, the eight electric motors, the eight Wärtsilä axial flow WXJ1100 waterjets, and the ProTouch propulsion control system.
The Wärtsilä equipment will be supplied in the later half of 2024, and the vessel will be delivered in 2025. The ship will sail between Argentina and Uruguay. It aims to transport 2,100 passengers as well as 225 vehicles.
