Corvus Energy has been selected by Wärtsilä to supply the energy storage systems (ESS) for what will be the world`s largest 100% electric lightweight ro-pax ferry.
With more than 40 MWh of energy storage, it will be the largest battery system installed onboard a ship – four times as big as the current largest installation.
The Incat shipyard in Tasmania will build the aluminium-constructed vessel on behalf of its South American customer, Buquebus. The large ferry, 130m in overall length, will have the capacity for 2100 passengers and crew, 225 cars, and a 2000m3 duty-free Shop, all housed on one level.
Halvard Hauso, Commercial Director Europe, Corvus Energy said: “This groundbreaking project marks a turning point in the maritime industry’s effort to transition towards greener means of transportation. Combining cutting-edge technology, environmental consciousness, and innovative design, it redefines the future of ferry operations worldwide and paves the way for other large, zero-emission vessels. We are very grateful that Wärtsilä once again chose Corvus Energy as their partner for such an important and advanced project.”
This vessel will be the largest of its type with the highest ESS capacity and it will also have the longest zero-emission journey, at the highest speed, and it will be charged with the world’s highest capacity chargers.
Hauso continued: “The ferry will also be the first fully electric vessel in South America, operating between Argentina and Uruguay. This is a significant milestone and a positive indicator of the increasing adoption of maritime electrification. This project demonstrates that maritime decarbonisation is now happening worldwide, not only in Europe.”
The project is made possible by Corvus` latest technological breakthrough– the lightweight battery, Dolphin NextGen. The design is based on the architecture of the four-year development programme for the Corvus Blue Whale ESS. The Blue Whale development included a ground-up redesign that re-evaluated and improved battery design, including battery chemistry, mechanical and electrical design, and software building blocks. The Dolphin NextGen ESS is claimed as a game changer for marine battery projects due to its low weight and volumetric density, robustness, and flexibility.
The battery systems are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024 and the vessel will enter operation in 2025.
