Aus Ships and Volvo embark on electric ferry project
Digital rendering of the Aus Ships ferry
(Source: Volvo Penta)
Brisbane-based shipbuilder, Aus Ships, and Volvo Penta are building an electric-drive passenger ferry for delivery as a demonstrator in the fourth quarter of this year.
The vessel will have a twin installation of Volvo Penta IPS450E electric propulsion systems, with 250kW of power per driveline. It will also have a large battery pack as well as solar panels. The first vessel will also have a Volvo Penta D4 variable-speed genset to extend range during demonstrations across Australia.
Volvo Penta Oceania head, Philippa Wood, commented: “This project represents a bold step towards low-emission transport in Australia ... With our Electric IPS platform, we’re carrying decades of proven marine innovation into the electric era, combining performance with efficient, quieter propulsion.”
“In this installation, we’re using twin IPS450E electric drivelines, each delivering 250 kilowatts of power. The aim is to allow the vessel to operate using renewable energy sources with improved efficiency – while maintaining performance.”
The project is supported by an AUD 2 million grant from the Australia-Singapore Low Emissions Technologies initiative which is funded jointly by the Australian and Singapore governments.
