Zero emission ferry

This all-electric vessel will use super capacitors to store the electrical energy in place of the normal battery systems with a considerable saving in weight and cost.

This new ferry is designed to operate on a short route of just a couple of miles across the river at Lorient. Its innovative electrical propulsion system has been carried out under a research programme initiated by the STX France parent company. This ECORIZON R & D programme is part of the research being carried out by STX and for the ferry design, Stirling Design International were involved in the project.

The super capacitor electrical storage system is an extension of the technology found in energy recovery systems such as that used on some road vehicles and on Formula 1 cars in their KERS system. These store the energy that would normally be lost due to braking and make it available for powering electric motors when acceleration is required. On marine applications there is no opportunity for energy recovery but on the ferry application the super capacitor can be recharged very quickly so this can be done every time the vessel docks and this can provide enough power for the vessel on the short route of the Lorient crossing.

The ferry is based on low resistance catamaran hull 22.10m in length with reverse angle bows. This vessel operates in displacement mode and has a maximum speed of 10 knots. The propellers and pod drives have been supplied by Masson and the electrical system was developed by Batscap in France. Two 50 hp electric motors power the pod drives.

The ferry is designed to carry 150 passengers and has accommodation for 10 bicycles. The passengers are accommodated in a single full width saloon with some outside seating in the bow area. A raised pilot house allows an all round view for controlling the ferry which is designed for bow docking at each terminal.

Solar panels are installed on the deck above the saloon to supplement the capacitor power and a diesel powered generator has been installed with adequate power to propel the vessel. This generator was added to the specification to allow the ferry more flexibility in operation so that it can operate independently of the charging points when it is required to operate on alternative routes.

This ferry design using super capacitors is claimed to be a world first of a new generation of zero emission ferries. STX Lorient claim that there are many ferry routes around the world that operate on only short distances for which the use of the super capacitor system would be suitable. Experience with this first design could also lead to a wider application of the technology on harbour craft and even some leisure craft.