Battery-powered Buquebus ferry is all set to break records in maritime transport

In a ground-breaking development poised to redefine the maritime industry, a remarkable battery-powered Buquebus ferry is taking shape in Tasmania.

Picture: Incat Tasmania

The 130-meter-long vessel is projected to carry 2,100 passengers and 226 cars, operating on routes connecting Argentina and Uruguay. With delivery scheduled for 2025, this pioneering project is set to transform ferry transportation in South America and inspire innovation worldwide.

This aluminium-hulled ropax vessel is not just another addition to the maritime landscape; it's a record-setting innovation in every sense. The ferry, currently under construction at Incat Australia's Tasmanian shipyard, is set to break multiple records, setting new energy efficiency and performance standards.

The most striking aspect of this project is its propulsion system, which relies on a substantial battery system. At 40 MWh, it boasts an unparalleled capacity four times that of any previously installed system. To put this into perspective, it's 40 times more powerful than the world's first battery-powered car ferry, the Norled Ampere. The potential of this system is immense, promising a significant reduction in environmental impact while pushing the boundaries of maritime technology.

Moreover, this Buquebus ferry is on its way to becoming the first battery-electric ferry in South America, marking a pivotal moment for the continent's transportation sector. With an extended range, the ability to cruise at higher speeds and access to the world's most potent shore-based charging systems, it's set to revolutionize ferry services in the region. This ferry is designed to serve the longest routes ever covered by a battery-powered vessel, further underlining its capabilities.

The battery modules and energy storage package that power this remarkable vessel are four times the size of those found on any hybrid or fully electric ship currently in operation. This leap in scale opens the door to enhanced performance and efficiency, setting a new standard for battery-powered vessels. These advancements will use specially designed Wärtsilä waterjets as the primary propulsion system, ensuring both power and efficiency.

While pushing the boundaries of maritime battery systems is a key focus of this project, safety remains paramount. To ensure adequate and secure power distribution, the vessel will implement The Switch DC-Hub, a state-of-the-art DC power distribution system. This innovation includes ultra-fast electronic current limiters and battery short-circuits protection devices as integral components of the battery-electric system. As larger batteries necessitate more robust safety measures to handle substantial short-circuit currents, this technology is crucial in safeguarding the vessel's operations.

Paul Atherton, the Switch general manager operation unit in Norway, said, “We’re very proud to be contributing to this milestone project at a time when marine battery systems are getting bigger and bigger.”

This ferry is expected to make waves in South America's maritime sector and has implications for global transportation. The extensive energy storage system and advanced power distribution techniques are transferable to various applications, including other types of vessels and marine-based charging systems for electric cars.

The Buquebus ferry project is a testament to the continuous evolution of battery technology in the maritime world. As marine battery systems become increasingly prominent and substantial, safety remains a top priority, and this project addresses that challenge head-on.