Torqeedo powers electric passenger vessels at new Vinpearl resort in Vietnam

Torqeedo is supplying electric propulsion systems for a fleet of 15 new passenger excursion boats recently delivered to Vinpearl’s newest resort development at Hoi An, Vietnam. The 9m (29.5ft) FRP displacement craft, built by Song Lo Shipbuilding in Nha Trang, are powered by Torqeedo Deep Blue 80 inboard electric motors with BMW i3 lithium batteries. “We are very happy with the performance of the Deep Blue system for these boats,” said Nguyen Van Thanh, director of Song Lo Shipbuilding. “They are very quiet and provide a smooth ride. The installations and commissioning went very well, thanks to the excellent technical support we received from Torqeedo.” Vinpearl is the largest hospitality group in Vietnam with a chain of luxury hotels, villas and theme parks across the country. The new boats are being deployed at Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An, a 62.4-hectare (154-acre) theme park that opened April 28. The Torqeedo-powered boats, which operate at average speeds of 3kts, are being used for sightseeing tours of the River Safari jungle habitat, as well as for entertainment in the replica Hoi An Old Town section of the park. “Vinpearl will achieve significantly lower operating costs by equipping the boats with electric motors instead of combustion engines, with zero fuel costs, lower maintenance requirements and an industry-leading capacity warranty,” said David Hunter, managing director, Torqeedo Asia Pacific. “Their guests will have a much more pleasant onboard experience as they cruise through the park, skimming silently through the water with no engine noise, no vibration and no exhaust fumes on deck.”