Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has won a contract to power two fully electric intercontinental fast ferries – said to be the world’s first – between Europe and Africa.
Spanish ferry operator Baleària will operate the twin catamarans on electric propulsion on the 18-mile route between Tarifa in the south of Spain and Tangier in Morocco at speeds of up to 26kts.
The twin fast ferries, which are being built by the Armon shipyard in Gijón, will have a capacity of 225 vehicles and 804 passengers.
Each ferry will have have 13.8MWh of electric power produced by four electric propulsion units fueled by the batteries. A system of autonomous robotic arms installed in Tangier and Tarifa will connect to onshore power supplies, and will enable the batteries to be recharged in just 40 minutes, AYK says.
“AYK is honored to be selected by Baleària as the provider of this advanced battery solution,” said AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger. “And we’re grateful to be supported on the deal by AYK’s Spanish agent Vulkan Española led by Jose Ignacio Cuenca and his team.”
“Our high quality, safe and cost-effective solutions will enable Baleària’s ferries to operate with zero emissions and help meet one of the priorities of the Spanish government, namely the decarbonization of transport.
“AYK is one of few manufacturers to produce batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) using a process that delivers capability, safety and a reliable long lifespan compared to the more volatile nickel mnganese cobalt batteries.
“The transition to electric and hybrid vessels is accelerating rapidly, and this exciting program with Baleària is an important step in underscoring our ability to address customer requirements for environmentally progressive transport.”
Pablo Garcia, Baleària’s new projects director, added, “AYK’s advanced battery solutions will enable us for the first time to run an entire route using only electric energy and become a shining example of international transport sustainability.
“This project is pioneering, innovative and technologically advanced. Each journey will be completely decarbonized, which will not only avoid emissions but also eliminate noise and vibrations.”
In related news, a full-electric River Thames sightseeing vessel will come into use this autumn