Wireless charging and mooring under development

The system, which eliminates ship to shore cables with resulting safety and maintenance efficiencies, will be capable of transferring more than 1MW of electrical energy. It will integrate a wireless charging system based on induction power transfer that has been developed by Wärtsilä, and Cavotec’s vacuum-based automatic mooring technology.

The partners hope that wireless charging of ship batteries will accelerate the electrification of coastal shipping and lead to major reductions in emissions. As reported, Wärtsilä has already launched an innovative ferry concept featuring wireless induction battery charging.

Peter Rogers, director power products, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, said: “During recent years wireless charging has been introduced for cars, busses and trains. Wärtsilä has now made this possible for marine vessels.”

Ottonel Popesco, CEO of Cavotec, added: “This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be partnering with Wärtsilä to make shipping cleaner, safer, and easier. The envisioned integrated wireless charging and mooring system will further the marine industry’s environmental profile.”