Torqeedo, the German electric and hybrid drive manufacturer, has supplied a battery-electric system to the Swedish Sea Rescue Society.
The Rescue Mercedes Eliasson Sanne is the first vessel in the fleet to have parallel diesel and electric motors, allowing it to operate for up to 90 minutes on electric power alone at a speed of 6kts. Dual Torqeedo Deep Blue 50kW electric motors are powered by two 10kWh Deep Blue lithium-ion batteries, combining with the primary twin-650 horsepower Scania diesel units.
“We use the electric mode when entering and leaving port through Sweden’s environmentally sensitive waterways,” said Lars Samuelsson, head of the Maritime Department. “The crew uses the diesels for high-speed runs out to the rescue location, then switches to electric for search-and-rescue operations. It is crucially important to go quietly on the job since even the smallest sound can hinder the search for a missing person in the water.”
The 14m rescue vessel carries a crew of up to four people and operates out of the Röro rescue station off the coast of Gothenburg. Based on the Victoria class previously used by the Society, the Sanne has an extended hull for smoother operation at sea.