Hyke, a developer of electric passenger ferries, has signed a memorandum of understanding with marine fast-charging infrastructure provider Aqua superPower to develop a blueprint for electrified urban ferry networks, aimed at unlocking underutilized waterways as transportation corridors.
As cities face growing pressure from congestion, emissions and constrained transportation infrastructure, waterways represent a largely untapped opportunity to move people efficiently, the companies said. While electric ferry technology is advancing rapidly, many projects struggle to move from concept to deployment because vessel procurement, charging infrastructure and route planning are often developed independently.
Through the partnership, the two companies will support ferry operators, transportation authorities, ports and city planners in developing electrified ferry routes where vessels, charging infrastructure and operational requirements are considered together from the earliest stages of planning. The goal is a practical framework that reduces complexity, lowers project risk and accelerates deployment of zero-emission passenger transportation on waterways.
Hyke’s electric ferries are designed for urban, inland and protected waterways, offering an alternative to conventional transportation that helps cities expand mobility capacity without major new investment in road or rail infrastructure.
Charles Pembroke-Birss, VP of sales at Hyke, said, “We’re excited to partner with Aqua superPower to make electric ferry projects easier to plan, deploy and operate. At Hyke, we believe customers need more than an ultra-efficient vessel. Successful ferry services depend on vessels, charging infrastructure and operational requirements working together from the outset. Aqua superPower brings world-class marine charging expertise to that process. By combining our capabilities, we can give cities and operators a clearer and more reliable path from an initial route concept to a fully operational zero-emission ferry service.”
Niels Astrup, business development manager, Nordics at Aqua superPower, said, “Many cities already possess a valuable transport asset that remains significantly underutilized: their waterways. Electric ferries have the potential to provide clean, efficient and attractive passenger transport while reducing pressure on roads and existing public transport networks. However, successful deployment requires more than innovative vessels or charging infrastructure alone. It requires both to be planned as part of a single transport ecosystem. Our collaboration with Hyke is about creating a blueprint that helps cities, operators and ports understand how to successfully deliver electrified ferry routes from concept through to operation.
Under the agreement, the companies will explore collaboration on route assessments, feasibility studies, pilot projects, customer engagements and demonstration programs, and will share expertise to support public authorities and operators evaluating the transition to electric passenger transportation.
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