Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 0 9 Austal’s Volta series has been launched with the Passenger Express 46V electric propulsion, that not only move through the water more easily and use less power but also create less wake and potentially zero emissions.” In recent years, the waterborne transport industry has been evolving. With sustainability becoming such an important consideration in the development and operation of ferries in particular, the vessels could take root as a more integral part of communities’ public transport systems. “There is no doubt that public transport has and will continue to evolve,” says Van Essen. “The good news is that technology is providing an opportunity for disruption across the entire transport industry and as more green technologies become available, alternative forms of transport are likely to emerge. “Our focus is to provide operators with a turnkey solution for their zero-emission transport requirements. We believe zero-emission waterborne transport has a bright future, especially in regions of high population density where traffic congestion is becoming an increasingly challenging problem. “The Volta series could certainly replace buses in some instances, but we feel it is more likely that they will be integrated into existing and revamped public transport networks.” Sustainability and environmentally friendly enhancements had been at the forefront of the shipping industry prior to the outbreak of Covid-19. With many organisations forced to rapidly adjust to the crisis at hand, the focus may have shifted away from their previous priorities. In spite of this, Austal has stayed its course. “These are indeed exciting times for not only Austal but the broader shipbuilding industry,” says Van Essen. “With change comes opportunity and being able to contribute positively to what is a huge global issue is especially rewarding.” Making sustainability a priority seems to be paying off for the Australian shipbuilder. Operators across the globe are already showing great interest in adding Volta vessels to their fleets, with Van Essen reporting an overwhelmingly positive response. “The launch of the Passenger Express 46V was only the first step in our zero- emissions plan for the future,” says Van Essen. “We are currently working on a number of different variants of the Volta – including a faster electric ferry and a smaller, inland waterway variant. We are also closely following the development of alternative fuels and are constantly evaluating the suitability of these fuels for our products.” CFR