Ferries across the Kierler Förde in northern Germany will be partly battery-powered from now on, with the installation of Octopus High Energy battery systems on the SFK Ferry Laboe.
The system is designed by EST-Floattech and was installed by the Holland Shipyards Group.
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The 560 kWh system ensures the energy consumption remains low during the ferry’s sailings, as the company said it allows the vessel can easily switch between generators and the battery system.
It also allows full battery operation, making these journeys emission-free.
The vessels are used to carry foot and cycle passengers across the Förde to easily access different parts of the city of Kiel.
Kiel’s ferry service provider SFK said reducing emissions remained a key goal for its network.
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By GlobalDataEST-Floattech explained how its battery system would allow such progress.
The integrated energy management system optimizes the use of stored energy, enabling the ferry to operate more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption, leading to lower emissions and operational costs, according to the developer.
Walter van der Pennen, commercial director at EST-Floattech said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that supports the goals of different parties involved in this project to create a more sustainable maritime industry and help lower the emissions in and around Kiel thanks to the Octopus Series battery system.”
Malte Klein of SFK added: “The new system comes with a higher safety standard. The performance of the system is more than satisfactory. The SFK is also informed that the system is capable of handling different kinds of battery types so it is future-proofed.”
And John van de Sluis, director at Holland Ship Electric said he looked forward to further collaboration.
“We have done many projects with EST-Floattech, and this was the first with their new Octopus Series energy storage solution, which has improved in many ways and was easily integrated into our power system. We look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future.”
