By
Rebecca Gibson |
Corvus Energy and Scandlines have been awarded Fathom’s Ship Efficiency Award for 2014 after retrofitting Scandlines’ Prinsesse Benedikte with a hybrid propulsion system.
Prinsesse Benedikte was fitted with Corvus Energy’s 2.7 MWh energy storage system (ESS), which consists of advanced lithium polymer batteries integrated with drive systems from Siemens.
Delivering significantly reduced carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, the ESS optimises engine performance, decreasing maintenance and operating costs. The system is equivalent to 600 hybrid cars and can propel the 6,600gt lightweight ferry for around 30 minutes at a speed of 14 knots without diesel fuel, making it the largest ever hybrid propulsion marine battery pack in terms of emissions reductions.
The Fathom award recognises the success of Prinsesse Benedikte, which proves that large-scale lithium energy storage is a safe, reliable and cost-effective means of reducing emissions and fuel consumption, while increasing operational efficiency.
Prinsesse Benedikte was also awarded a Highly Commended status at the Lloyds List Innovation Awards in September 2014. Together Prinsesse Benedikte and Scandlines’ three other hybrid ferries – Deutschland, Schleswig-Holstein and Prins Richard – represent the largest fleet of battery-hybrid ferries in operation today.
“Scandlines is a true industry leader within ferry operators,” said Grant Brown, vice president of global marketing at Corvus Energy. “Our performance and safety attributes are now validated by our partners, customers and the independent certification bodies Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL and ABS. Corvus is the only lithium energy storage system to have these safety and quality qualifications.”
Installing the hybrid propulsion system on the four ferries is a key element of Scandlines’ strategy to improve the sustainability of its fleet and marks the start of a series of large investments in environmental technologies. Between 2013 and 2015, Scandlines expects to have invested more than €25 million in sustainable technologies on the Puttgarden-Rødby route. Further investments are also planned for other Scandlines routes.
“Scandlines’ investment in hybridising its fleet will benefit both the environment and the ferry operator in terms of increased efficiency,” said Fini Hansen, technical superintendent of fleet management at Scandlines Danmark. “The Ship Efficiency Award is another recognition for our efforts. Scandlines’ experience with Corvus Energy has been great; its talented team and robust product offering make them an ideal partner on these conversions.”
Scandlines’ four hybrid ferries provide a 24-hour service throughout the year, offering departures between Puttgarden on the German island of Fehmarn and Rødby, Denmark, every 30 minutes.