Battery

DNV on decarbonizing ferries: Technological innovation and electrification

Recent technological innovations in the ferry industry have focused on electrification and battery power; DNV presents three key technologies driving the decarbonization of ferries.

Published

1 year ago

November 24, 2023

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DNV on decarbonizing ferries: Technological innovation and electrification

Classification society DNV on Thursday (16 November) released a Maritime Impact report on the decarbonization of ferries. The following is excerpts from the article:

As shipping examines a range of options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recent technological innovations in the ferry industry have focused on electrification and battery power. DNV presents three key technologies driving the decarbonization of ferries.

With IMO decarbonization targets becoming more ambitious, and social and political pressure building, each sector of the maritime industry needs to examine the most practical and cost-efficient ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For ferries, electrification and battery power are high on the agenda.

Electrification and battery power perfect fit for ferries

“Ferries are the perfect segment for electrification and battery power,” says Hans Eivind Siewers, Segment Director of Passenger Ships and RoRo at DNV. “Short, regular routes between the same ports makes it easier to charge regularly and reduces the need for large batteries.”

Three new technologies have emerged in recent years which are expected to have an impact on the ferries market. For all, the development has been facilitated by recent technological developments, most notably improvements in the energy density of batteries. Two of these innovations are based on hydrofoiling, an established technology which is making a comeback due to energy efficiency gains.

Hydrofoiling: Back to the future with Fast Foil Ferry

Hydrofoil technology – where a foil lifts the vessel up from the water as it gathers speed – was popular in the 1970s due to passenger comfort and high speeds, but this was eventually sidelined due to poor fuel and energy consumption. However, over the past few years, advancements in high strength and lightweight composite materials, gains in hydrofoiling technology and – most importantly – increases in the energy density of batteries have reopened the door to this technology.

Collaborative innovation: Developing a fully electric Fast Foil Ferry

In 2020, Kitsap Transit (a public transit agency serving Kitsap County, Washington, part of the Seattle metropolitan area), Foil Ferry LLC (a collaboration between Anacortes-based Bieker Boats and Seattle naval architecture firm Glosten) and Washington Maritime Blue received a Federal Transit Administration innovation grant to develop a proof-of-concept design for a fully electric Fast Foil Ferry. This has led to the delivery of a preliminary design for a high-speed hydrofoil passenger ferry, aided by DNV-led studies around shoreside infrastructure and permitting requirements and economic and environmental impacts.

Decarbonization just one advantage of Fast Foil Ferry

“These ferries use around one-third of the energy of conventional fast ferries and have zero local emissions,” says Cassidy Fisher, Programme Director of Washington Maritime Blue, which is coordinating the Fast Foil Ferry project. “They produce negligible waves as the hulls fly above the water’s surface. This is important for protecting sensitive shorelines such as those along Rich Passage, Washington, which makes up a significant portion of the Bremerton–Seattle route.”

With a cruising speed of 30 knots (around 55 km/h), the ferries have a range of about 30 nautical miles. This means they will be able to complete one full round trip on the proposed Bremerton to Seattle commuter route without recharging.

Financial benefits make the business case for Fast Foil Ferry

Besides the extensive list of advantages, including reduced motion compared to non-foiling hulls, providing passengers with a more comfortable ride, reduced noise, and the hope that increased ferry traffic will result in fewer cars on the roads of Washington State, the Fast Foil Ferry will also deliver significant savings to its operators.

“We have estimated a 35% reduction in annual operating costs compared to conventional diesel-powered ferries, mainly due to energy savings, although this depends on the price of diesel,” continues Fisher. “Alongside the decarbonization benefits, this is a strong business case and removes any significant barriers to further development.”

The project is aiming to secure another USD 4 million in federal funding so it can advance and complete the design development stage, while full-scale trials, construction and deployment, and the development of shoreside infrastructure will require another USD 18 million in funding.

From LNG to battery power

In Uruguay, ferry operator Buquebus is preparing to start operating the largest battery-powered ship in the world. Currently under construction at Tasmania-based shipbuilder Incat, the 130-metre ship will have a battery capacity of over 40 MWh, almost four times the capacity of any battery-powered vessel constructed before.

Following the success of the DNV-classed HSC Francisco Papa, Incat’s first LNG vessel delivered to Buquebus in 2013, the new DNV-classed vessel was originally planned to run on LNG. This was switched to electric/battery propulsion after Robert Clifford, founder of Incat, showed Buquebus his plans for a new electric/battery-powered ship.

“Our President Mr. Lopez Mena asked Incat if it was possible to use the electric propulsion on our future vessel,” explains Gerardo Babini, Technical Manager, Buquebus. “After a couple of weeks of weight and speed calculations, Incat came back to us and said it would be possible.”

The future of ferries is battery-powered

While the Buquebus ferry is very different in design to the two hydrofoil vessels, all of these technologies showcase the key role that electrical/battery power can play in the decarbonization of shipping. This is likely to increase, particularly in the ferry industry, as battery technology develops even further.

“These technologies are all extremely exciting and impressive, but we can expect so much more from battery power over the next ten years,” says Hans Eivind Siewers. “Improvements in density will extend ranges, opening up longer routes and reducing the reliance on scarce carbon-neutral fuels. This will contribute greatly to shipping’s quest to reach net-zero by 2050.

Note: DNV’s full Maritime Impact report on ‘Decarbonizing ferries: Technological innovation and electrification’ can be found here.

Photo credit: DNV / Incat Tasmania
Published: 24 November, 2023

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China: Over 20 speakers confirmed for Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025

Karim Fahssis, Decarbonization China Head of Maersk, Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO of MMMCZCS, Tan Wee Meng, Chief Projects Officer of GCMD, are some of the key speakers to be featured at the event.

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Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025 to be held in Shanghai on 16 May

Shine Consultant, the organiser of Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025, on Thursday (20 March) announced over 20 speakers have been confirmed for the event to discuss key green technology topics related to the shipping industry.

The speakers are key stakeholders in the shipping industry including transportation management departments, international shipping organisations and related industry associations, shipping companies, shipyards, repair yards, third-party ship management companies, ship equipment suppliers, high-tech solution providers, design research units, and research institutions.

With over 300 attendees expected to attend, the Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025 will be held in Shanghai, China, on 16 May.

Themed Diversified Innovation for Sustainable Green Transformation, the summit will set up a main forum called Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals and two sub-forums, Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum and Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum.

It will focus on key topics such as innovative design methods for green ship types, development and design of methanol dual-fuel ship types, prospects and challenges of ammonia fuel application, and new marine fuels and supply systems.

Speakers for the summit include:

Sun Haihua, Deputy Director of Shanghai Arbitration Commission, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization
Yan Wei, Vice President, Shanghai Maritime University
Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Lu Yanhui, Vice President, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd
Wu Jianyi, Chief Engineer & General Manager of the Ship Technology Center, China Merchants Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. (CMES)
Karim Fahssis, Decarbonization China Head, Maersk
Liu Jianfeng, Chief Technologist, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., LTD.
Keiichiro Nakanishi, Managing Executive Officer, MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.)
Vivi Wong, Head of Digital Products, Greater China, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Li Zhonggang, Vice President, China Ship Design & Research Center Com.,Ltd. (CSDC)
Zhang Qingsheng, General Manager of Shanghai Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping Management Co., Ltd., President Assistant of Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping (Group) Co.,Ltd.
Bai Junli, Deputy Director of Innovation & Development Center, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co., LTD.
Tan Wee Meng, Chief Projects Officer, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
John Kollander, General Manager Stena RoRo Asia & Owners Representative China, Stena RoRo
Thibaut Raeis, Business & Technical Solutions Director, GTT China
Li Zhengjian, Chief Expert/Senior Engineer, the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Yuan Chao, General Manager of Strategy and Investment, CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited
Pan Jinfeng, General Manager of Digital Intelligence Promotion Department, COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore Co., Ltd
Zhu Feng, Head of the Ballast Water Convention Research Office, Hebei Maritime Safety Administration
Gou Yingdi, Director of Sustainable Development and General Manager of the Technology and Development (Innovation) Center, Seacon Shipping Group
Yang Lixin, Deputy Secretary-General, Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization
Zhao Cuiyun, Deputy Director of the Institute for the Construction of the Shipping Center and Director of the Green Shipping Research Office, Shanghai International Shipping Institute

Conference Framework

16 May (am)

Sub-Forum I: Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals

16 May (pm)

Sub-Forum II: Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum
Sub-Forum III: Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum

Key Topics

Maritime regulatory focus under policy guidance towards zero-carbon goals
Global green ship type product key technologies and applications
Analysis of paths to improve the efficiency of existing ships
How shipping companies can achieve sustainable green transformation
Green ship technology practices and future prospects
Innovative design methods for green ship types
Development and design of methanol dual-fuel ship types
Innovation and application of ship engines and propulsion systems
Technological application and outlook of wind energy as auxiliary power for ships
Prospects and challenges of ammonia fuel application
Innovation in new marine fuels and supply systems
Upgrading of ship battery systems to meet shipping emission reduction
Fluid power energy-saving technology and practice to promote the green and low-carbon development of the shipping industry
Green ship repair, intelligent painting and VOCs management in ship and marine engineering
Exploration and practice in digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of the ship repair and modification industry
Practice of ship energy consumption data analysis and carbon intensity management
SCR technology innovation for NOx reduction in ship diesel engines
The latest technological applications of “carbon capture” in the shipping industry
Ballast water management systems in line with international standards
Shore power systems combined with green electricity to assist shipping decarbonization
Supply status and choice analysis of the marine green fuel market

Host:

Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization

Co-organisers:

Shanghai Maritime University
Shanghai Institute of Navigation
Jiangsu Association of Shipbuilding Industry
Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry
Jiangsu Society of Naval Architects And Marine Engineers

Supporting Organisations:

Shanghai Port Association
Hubei Association of Shipbuilding Industry
Shanghai International Shipping institute

Organizer:

Shine Consultant International Ltd

Interested parties may contact:

Yulia Zhang
T: (+8621) 6095 7179
M:(+86) 158 3615 6079 (Also on WeChat）
E-mail: [email protected]

Note: More information on the summit, including registration, can be found here.

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 8 May, 2025

Battery

Incat launches world’s largest fully battery-powered ship “China Zorilla”

Ship is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an ESS boasting more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity, which is four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world.

Published

2 weeks ago

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Admin

Incat launches world’s largest fully battery-powered ship from Australia

Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania on Friday (2 May) launched the world’s largest battery-electric ship, China Zorilla, constructed for South American ferry operator Buquebus, at its shipyard in Hobart, Tasmania.

The ship is the ninth vessel Incat built for Buquebus. When it enters service between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, it will operate entirely on battery-electric power, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the River Plate.

“This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford.

“We’ve been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we’ve ever delivered. This ship changes the game.”

Buquebus President Juan Carlos López Mena said the vessel was originally planned to run on LNG marine fuel and was reconfigured into a fully electric vessel.

The ship is equipped with over 250 tonnes of batteries and an Energy Storage System (ESS) boasting more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity. The ESS, which is four times larger than any previous maritime installation in the world, is connected to eight electric driven waterjets and supplied by technology partner Wärtsilä.

At 130 metres in length, it is not only the largest electric ship in the world, but also the largest electric vehicle of its kind ever built – and one of the most significant single export items in Australia’s manufacturing history.

Photo credit: Incat Tasmania
Published: 6 May, 2025

Alternative Fuels

Yinson GreenTech and partners to accelerate marine electrification in Singapore

Yinson GreenTech plans to provide electric vessels to R W Marine Services, who will lease and manage the fleet; while Wilhelmsen Port Services shall coordinate the deployment of these electric vessels.

Published

2 months ago

April 1, 2025

Admin

Yinson GreenTech and partners to accelerate marine electrification in Singapore

Green solutions provider Yinson GreenTech, Wilhelmsen Port Services (S) Pte Ltd (WPS), and R W Marine Services Pte Ltd (RW) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to accelerate the adoption of marine electrification and sustainable maritime transport in Singapore.

The signing took place during Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025), being held from 24 to 28 March 2025.

Under the MoU, Yinson GreenTech plans to provide electric vessels to RW, who will lease and manage the fleet; while WPS shall coordinate the deployment of these electric vessels from RW for launch services.

Both RW and WPS will also adopt and grow the use of the Marine Digital Platform, developed by Yinson GreenTech, for port services in Singapore. This collaboration supports the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) goals of emission reduction and enhanced operational efficiency, realising the adoption of electric service vessels in the Port of Singapore.

Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, Yinson GreenTech, said:: “We are excited to be partnering WPS and RW in driving the maritime sector towards a sustainable future. By combining our advanced electric vessels and digital solutions with WPS’s port services and RW’s sea transport expertise, we are enabling more businesses to optimise their fleets by adopting greener alternatives.”

Jamie Wrightson, Vice President Asia Pacific & India of WPS, said: “As global leaders in port agency, we are proud to partner with Yinson GreenTech and RW to bring the marinEV zero emission launch to attend to our customers’ vessels.

“Innovation to bring down emissions and increase efficiencies in the port supply chain requires collaboration and Wilhelmsen Port Services is excited to help bring this to the market.”

Alvin Tan, Managing Director of RW, said: “Partnering with Yinson GreenTech and Wilhelmsen Port Services represents a pivotal moment for R W Marine as we transition into the era of sustainable sea transport.”

“As a long-standing operator in Singapore’s port waters, we’re proud to be taking a proactive role in adopting electric vessels and enhancing our fleet management capabilities. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering reliable, forward-looking marine services that support Singapore’s decarbonisation goals.”

Photo credit: Wilhelmsen Port Services
Published: 1 April, 2025