Maritime design consultant BMT has unveiled a new 42m 100% electric EF-500 passenger ferry design in response to the industry’s increasing demand for low and zero emission vessels.
BMT’s latest design is said to mark a significant addition to its diverse vessel portfolio and extensive range of designs. The all-electric ferry design is considered to demonstrate BMT’s commitment to providing novel solutions for the decarbonising of maritime transportation in North America. Featuring a 500-passenger and 4-crew capacity, the zero-emission vessel is tailored to meet the rising demand for hybrid or all-electric ferry options in the region.
Brian Moeller, Naval Architect and Technical Sales Manager, BMT North America, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our latest and most advanced all-electric ferry design, showcasing our commitment to offering competitive and environmentally friendly transport solutions across multiple sectors. This design aligns with our dedication to achieving net-zero targets and fostering sustainable maritime transportation.”
The ferry boasts a low wake hull, featuring a simple, easily constructible design with a lightweight and durable aluminium structure. Its capabilities include a range of 1 hour at 18 knots or 40 minutes at a top speed of 20 knots, making it suitable for higher passenger capacity along coastal and restricted service routes.
BMT, which collaborates with global shipyards, emphasises its team’s expertise in hybrid ship design, especially in future and alternative fuels. The company aims to set a significant milestone in achieving net-zero emissions, addressing air pollution, congestion, and noise pollution on a global scale. The company has successfully delivered over 300 vessels operating worldwide. It clais a commitment to superior seakeeping across various and extreme weather conditions, underscoring its capability in designing highly optimised vessels.
Lee Hedd, Regional Sales Director, BMT North America, added: “BMT has a rich history of consulting to understand industry’s most complex engineering and design challenges, and delivering leading solutions to address those challenges. We have a great team committed to affecting positive change with the work we do, so it’s great to see the result of that hard work come to fruition with this electric ferry design.”
