German engineering giant Siemens has been commissioned to supply the complete drive system for Finland’s first battery-powered car ferry.
The Finnish shipping company FinFerries says the ferry will “improve the transport options between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku Archipelago”.
It will be about 90m long by 16m wide and accommodate a maximum of 90 cars.
The ferry will be equipped with the Siemens BlueDrive PlusC electric propulsion system, which includes an energy-storage system, variable-speed drive technology for the propellers and an integrated alarm and monitoring system.
FinFerries will benefit from lower operating, maintenance and repair costs, as well as improved control and safety through the system’s energy-management and thruster-control capabilities.
Siemens will also be supplying a WiFi solution to connect with the shore-based charging stations controlled by the energy management system “in order to secure automated fast charging”.
Mats Rosin, FinFerries CEO, said: “I am extremely satisfied that the long and thorough selection process is now finished. Siemens is a company that has plenty of experience and an excellent reputation with a similar application on a Norwegian ferry.”
Juergen Brandes, CEO of the Siemens process industries and drives division, said: “Battery-powered ferries offer a great new way to provide sustainable, efficient and reliable water transportation. As we have already proven, this project will be another milestone in environment-friendly technologies.”