Incat Tasmania has announced a partnership with Danish Shipping and Logistics Company DFDS to complete a design study for the construction of an electric-hybrid ferry.
The 72m ferry, which will have the option to convert to fully electric, is considered suited to a number of ferry routes across Europe.
Incat CEO Stephen Casey said: “Since launching the design of our series produced electric ships last November there has been significant interest from many ferry operators, and we’re excited to work with DFDS on their projects. The Incat 72m series is offered in a fully electric model that is suited to many ferry networks around the world. Incat’s industry leading design and construction capabilities and our commitment to sustainability, make us the logical choice for ferry operators who want a vessel of the highest quality whilst minimising their environmental footprint.”
Incat believes that battery electric or electric-hybrid propulsion coupled with lightweight aluminium construction has potential to cut emissions on shorter sea routes.
Casey continued: “Incat pioneered the development of large vehicle carrying catamarans in the 1990’s and now we’re ready to work with ferry operators around the world to showcase what the future of maritime transport looks like.” Incat has specialised in lightweight aluminium vessel design and construction for the past four decades. Aluminium ferries, being approximately half the weight of their steel counterparts, require less power when operated at similar speeds and deadweights. This results in significant energy savings and emissions reductions.”
Incat is based in Tasmania where the State generates 100% of its energy needs from renewables, and the energy consumed in the construction of Incat vessels comes from 100% renewable sources – a combination of hydro, wind and solar. Tasmania has achieved Net Zero emissions for the past seven years in a row, making Incat the only shipyard in Australia, and part of only a handful in the world, able to produce zero-emission ships in a State that has already achieved net-zero.
Image: Rendering of Incat 72m hybrid ferry (source: Incat Tasmania)
