The first of three new type 2030 ferries for the Port of Hamburg has been commissioned by operator HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienstand.
The vessel is powered by an environmentally-friendly hybrid system comprising two electric Voith Schneider Propellers (eVSPs). In cooperation with the Hamburg Public Transport Association, HADAG operates all local ferry traffic on eight lines with 20 piers. In order to be optimally equipped for future economic and ecological challenges, sustainable fleet modernization measures are now said to be in full swing.
The latest addition to the fleet is the type 2030 hybrid ferry, which Voith has developed in conjunction with SET Schiffbau- u. Entwicklungsgesellschaft Tangermünde – a member company of the Heinrich Rönner Group – and Flensburg ship designers naValue. Voith was not only responsible for the propulsion technology but also for optimising the ship’s hull.
Oliver Lenz, Sales Application Manager Marine, Voith said: “Aided by CFD simulations and automated optimisation methods, our R&D experts created over several hundred individual hull design variants and calculated their respective energy efficiency levels, while strictly observing the customer’s exacting performance and consumption requirements. Numerous model tests were also carried out, which confirmed the result of our calculations.”
The new ferry is larger than all of HADAG’s previous ferries, measuring 33m in length and 8m in width. It has additional space for multi-functional areas and up to 250 passengers while running with significantly reduced energy requirements.
The necessary thrust and a maximum speed of up to 13 knots are provided by two 9X5/100 eVSPs – also newly developed – which are fitted with integrated permanent magnet electric motors from ELIN Motoren, a subsidiary of Voith Turbo.
Lenz added: “Our smallest version to date of the gearless propulsion system expressly requested by the customer ensures the highest level of comfort on board at all times while significantly reducing energy requirements. Characterised by optimal manoeuvrability, the propulsion system has the distinction of providing a high level of safety, even in the often hectic and sometimes adverse conditions encountered in the Port of Hamburg.”
Voith held several advance training sessions with HADAG captains, enabling them to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of the eVSP before the first of three hybrid ferries is commissioned.
Image: Hybrid ferry for Hamburg (source: Voith)
