Hybrid ferries to have Leclanché battery packs
The vessels will operate between Portsmouth, UK and Saint-Malo and Caen in France
(Source: Leclanché)
Two hybrid E-Flexer RoPax ferries under construction for Stena RoRo and Brittany Ferries are to have Leclanché battery systems with a capacity of 11.3 MWh. The 195m-long vessels, which will operate using LNG as fuel, are due for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Leclanché claims that they will be the world’s largest hybrid vessels so far.
The Navius MRS-3TM energy storage systems use lithium-ion batteries with 46 battery strings and a high degree of redundancy. The system is guaranteed for ten years of continuous operation, Leclanché said.
The Swiss company claims that its batteries have better safety features, charge faster, and have a longer cycle life, a smaller footprint and lower energy consumption than other systems. It manufactures its own battery systems at assembly plants in Willstätt, Germany, and Yverdon, Switzerland.
CEO of Leclanché E-Mobility, Phil Broad, said: “We are delighted to join in the efforts of both Stena RoRo and Brittany Ferries in favour of the decarbonisation of maritime transport. These latest project wins further emphasise Leclanché’s leadership position in the electrification and hybridisation of large vessels … The benefits of our differentiated cell technology and liquid-cooled system were key factors in our nomination. Another main competitive asset, the system design provides a distinct size and weight advantage versus our competitors and is especially cost-effective for large-scale systems such as those being manufactured for Brittany Ferries.”
Staffan Stenfelt, general manager Newbuilding at Stena RoRo, commented: “Stena is a leader in the development of technologically advanced vessels and an early participant in the green shipping transition. We’re excited to partner with Leclanché in this major milestone in hybridisation technology and demonstrate the importance of flexibility in building next generation vessels that can adapt to the latest technology developments.”
Brittany Ferries’ director Engineering and Maintenance, Arnaud Le Poulichet, added: “Brittany Ferries is committed to supporting – and help lead – the decarbonisation efforts of the maritime industry. Every vessel we invest in will pay dividends for the environment in the short-and-long term. We are proud to be supporting this green planetary agenda in a meaningful way.”
