Leclanche to supply 11.3MWh ESS for cross-Channel newbuildings

The RoPax ferries are expected to be the world’s largest hybrid vessels with energy storage systems on board when the they enter service. Delivery to the shipyards is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023, while the newbuildings are planned for delivery in 2024 and 2025.

The vessels’ will be equipped with Leclanché’s third generation, Navius MRS-3 onboard energy storage system with a capacity of 11.3 MWh. The 3rd generation battery system will have maximum of 940 volts, and will be guaranteed for 10 years of continuous operation. 

The two nearly 195-metre long hybrid E-Flexer ferries have been designed and developed by Stena RoRo (a Stena Line affiliate) in collaboration with Brittany Ferries and will be chartered on a 10-year lease to Brittany Ferries for operation between Portsmouth in the UK and the French ports of Saint-Malo and Caen.

The design builds on several years of real-life operation and optimisation, and uses a highly redundant structure with 46 battery strings. Leclanché claims that its batteries have superior safety features, faster charging, longer cycle life, a smaller footprint and lower energy consumption than competitive solutions. The vertically integrated supplier also notes that also manufactures its own lithium-ion battery cells, packs, modules and casings at its own automated manufacturing assembly lines in Willstätt, Germany and Yverdon, Switzerland.