Torqeedo wins electric ferry deal in Argentina
The new ferries will be driven all-electrically (Source: Torqeedo)
Delta Argentina Uruguay, a passenger ferry operator in Argentina’s ecologically sensitive Delta del Paraná, is planning to revolutionise regional river transport with the introduction of up to 174 passenger ferries powered by all-electric power systems from Torqeedo GmbH. The vessels will replace ageing units powered by diesel.
The region is claimed to be the only river delta in the world that empties into another river, creating a 21,750-km2 area of wetlands just one hour from Buenos Aires. The delta is home to many people who live on its small islands, numbering at least one thousand.
Their ‘lanchas colectivas' – the traditional and essential mode of transport – are now set to be replaced with 22-passenger aluminium launches powered by twin Torqeedo Cruise 12.0 motors and Power 48-5000 batteries. The electric ferries will be capable of speeds of up to nine knots and will use a 1.1-kW solar panel mounted on the roof to provide energy for equipment on board and air conditioning.
The project comes after initial tests with one vessel. Following its successful outcome, the president of Delta Argentina Uruguay, Leonal Falcón, has announced the official launch of the Ecolancha project, which will replace the old vessels and create up to 1,000 new jobs in the process. The Ecolancha units will provide a safe, efficient, and silent service, cutting noise and vibration and eliminating exhaust fumes and pollution risks.
Nicolás Fothy, a Buenos Aires naval architect and Torqeedo distributor, said: “The Delta del Paraná is culturally and ecologically unique. Electric ferries represent a leap into the future, maintaining tradition while embracing innovation.”
Fothy explained that the Ecolancha team is collaborating with the Argentinian Coast Guard to develop and implement safety regulations for electric transport on water. His company, Naval Electric, has already introduced several fully electric vessels in South America in partnership with Torqeedo.
The E-Delta 650-day cruiser, for example, has a Torqeedo Cruise motor with a range of 35 nautical miles. It is capable of completing a return voyage across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay and back.
