Damen, Schottel to team on Canada's first fully electric ferries

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(SPAY, Germany) — Schottel has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards to equip the first fully electric vessels to operate in Canada.

The new Amherst Island and Wolfe Island ferries will be propelled by four Schottel twin propellers STP 260 FP, each with an input power of up to 550 kW.

“There has been close cooperation with Schottel in this project that aimed at identifying high efficient future innovations and green technologies for sustainable power solutions,” said Leo Postma, area manager Canada, Damen Shipyards. “Schottel’s international network and propulsion knowledge that we have relied on for decades and we already have supported, made this project a comprehensive solution for the customer.”

The two new double-ended ferries will be operated by MTO, the ferry service of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario.

The main propulsion for the ferries will be provided by batteries with a diesel engine as backup to ensure mobility. The propulsion concept implies a power intake increase up to 650 kW due to an enhanced draft provided by the batteries.

Damen’s full electrification concept for the ferries serving Kingston and Wolfe Island, as well as Millhaven and Amherst Island, will reduce emissions by the equivalent of 7 million kg carbon dioxide per year.

In accordance with their field of operation in the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River of the Canadian province of Ontario, the thrusters will fulfill the requirements of Ice Class 1A.

The Amherst Island ferry is due to be delivered in 2020, with the Wolfe Island ferry scheduled for delivery in 2021.

By Professional Mariner Staff