New Diesel Electric Hybrid Ferries Are A Seagoing First

New Diesel Electric Hybrid Ferries Are A Seagoing First:

At a Scottish shipyard, construction is underway on the world’s first seagoing diesel-electric hybrid vehicle ferries.
Featuring batteries, a diesel generator and electric propulsion, the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) passenger and vehicle ferries will be able to carry up to 150 passengers and 23 cars, or two heavy goods vehicles. They’re expected to not only reduce CO2 emissions, but also help save money on maintenance. The first ship will probably enter service in the late spring or early summer of 2013, with the next one following six months later.
Other ferries — like San Francisco’s Hornblower — have also been given the hybrid treatment, but so far they’ve all stayed in bays and harbors. The as-yet-unnamed Scottish ships are designed for use on short crossings in the Hebrides and the Islands of the Clyde off the Scottish coast. When the ferries eventually cross the Firth of Clyde, batteries will supply at least a fifth of the power.

The other big difference is how the ferries will run. Unlike some larger boats, which only store electric power to run auxiliary equipment, Ferguson’s hybrid ships have batteries that operate alongside the diesel generators to turn the ship’s propellers. The whole setup is controlled through a 400 volt switchboard. The ships will charge overnight while moored, drawing power during off-peak hours.
The whole project is Scottish from stem to stern: The ships are being built by Ferguson Shipyard of Port Glasgow, with funding from the Scottish government and technical support from Glasgow’s Seatec and Tec-Source.
Photo: Flickr/bluesky4691

Image: Ferguson Shipyard