EST-Floattech battery drives Sweden’s fourth electric hybrid ferry
The Swedish public transport organization Västtrafik has taken delivery of a fourth electric hybrid ferry powered by a battery system from the Dutch manufacturer EST-Floattech.
Eloise, built by Työvene in Finland, is a 33-meter double-ended commuter ferry designed to carry up to 298 passengers and 80 bicycles at speeds of up to 11 knots.
EST-Floattech installed its flagship Green Orca 1050 high energy battery system using lithium polymer NMC cells.
Antti Vikainenproject manager at Uudenkaupungin Työvene OY and supervises the construction, said: “We are pleased to have collaborated with EST-Floattech as a supplier of one of the key components to Eloise. The support we received in addition to the delivery and commissioning of the battery system proved to be valuable, especially in determining the safety requirements for the battery installation.
“The ship itself is already a proven design that has evolved from a diesel-powered ferry to a battery hybrid that can work almost exclusively on stored electrical power for its designed application.”
According to EST-Floattech, the battery capacity of Eloise is 25% higher than that of the sister ship Elvy, which was delivered in 2019.
With an installed capacity of 1260 kWh, Eloise can handle six hours of continuous electric operation while charging with either shore power or the built-in diesel generator.
Their delivery of Eloise to Västtrafik is said to be a significant step in the organization’s goal of having Gothenburg’s public transport system fully electrified by 2030.
At the same time, the passenger shipping company Rederi AB Gotland and its subsidiaries are developing Sweden’s first large-scale hydrogen-powered vessels for both passengers and goods, with water as the only emission.