Torqeedo/Poseidon unveil new electric drive

Poseidon’s thruster has been integrated into Torqueedo’s Deep Blue drive and the first project to use the new capability is already underway with the building of a solar-electric passenger ferry by Ostseestaal subsidiary, Ampereship. The solar-powered 14.65m ferry can transport up to 20 people and 15 bicycles per trip at a cruising speed of 8 km/h and is scheduled to start operations in northern Germany in August.

“The technology is ready,” said Axel Büchling, manager of project sales for Torqeedo. “Up to 200 kW propulsive power is enough to operate most inland passenger vessels. The modular system design allows the operator to use the same parts and components in different vessels and all components can be monitored and serviced remotely,” he added.

With an electro-hydraulic steering system developed by FS-Schiffstechnik, the thruster delivers continuous power of 50 kW and peak power of 65 kW and can rotate up to 360 degrees. Two drives are a typical configuration for the average 80 to 200-passenger vessel but up to four may be installed.

The system is powered by Deep Blue lithium-ion batteries with a battery bank capacity of 80 kWh to 1 MWh. These batteries, with technology by BMWi, meet IEC 62619 and IEC 62620 requirements, making them suitable for use in inland vessels. A DNV-GL type-approved battery variant is also available for offshore applications.