78 FEATURE Incat Tasmania Building Incat Hull 096 – the world’s largest electric ferry – presents numerous challenges, from the engineering complexity of installing 250 tonnes of batteries to ensuring the vessel remains lightweight while meeting safety and performance standards. However, these challenges are far outweighed by the ground-breaking opportunities this project provides. As a world first, the ferry sets a benchmark for sustainable maritime transport, demonstrating that large-scale passenger and vehicle ferries can operate without relying on fossil fuels. Incat is at the forefront of developing lightweight, battery-powered vessels and will deliver several projects that push the boundaries of maritime innovation in the coming years. With growing environmental pressures and increasing demand for zero-emission transport, it expects a significant rise in ferry operators specifying electric vessels. Incat Hull 096 not only advances the future of sustainable shipping but also redefines the role of ferries in reducing global carbon emissions, positioning electric ferries as a standard for the industry moving forward. Building ships sustainably Damen, Incat Tasmania and Wärtsilä discuss their respective roles in building the battery-powered ferry fleet of the future third hybrid boat – Mars Clipper – into our main river bus fleet and is the next step on our journey to advancing sustainable maritime technology,” says Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. “The Thames is the lifeblood of our great capital and it’s our ambition to continue to push for further progression along the river – we’re calling upon London’s maritime businesses and government bodies to collaborate and ensure a greener future for all.” Jimenez also highlights the need for collaboration in order to construct the necessary charging infrastructure to support the introduction of batterypowered vessels. “Before we can transition our new class of vessels to electrified service, we need to establish the infrastructure required to charge the vessels,” he says. “Ongoing conversations continue regarding the future electricity needs of BC Ferries and what is involved in electrifying our major terminals for grid-ready shore charging. We’re working closely with BC Hydro to ensure we’re ready to move forward when the time is right.” Giradin is also clear that, despite their ambitions, DFDS and other operators require the support of onshore partners. “Simply put, we cannot do this on our own,” says Giradin. “We need sufficient power supply from sustainable sources on land and infrastructure to accommodate charging facilities in ports. This is why collaboration is key to making the transition to low emission transport.” “ Simply put, we cannot do this on our own” Mathieu Giradin DFDS
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