Grimaldi cruise ferries go greener with Corvus “mega batteries”

Grimaldi Group RoPax cruise ferries Cruise Barcelona and Cruise Roma

Corvus Energy reports that it has completed the installation of a 5.5 MWh battery energy storage systems (ESS) in each of the two Grimaldi Group RoPax cruise ferries Cruise Barcelona and Cruise Roma.

The “mega batteries” will allow the Grimaldi cruise ferries to turn off the diesel engines and operate solely on battery power and with zero emissions for up to four hours during port stay.

“The Corvus energy storage system is an important component in our vision for sustainable shipping,” says Andrea D’Ambra, Energy Saving Technical Department at Grimaldi Euromed, a Grimaldi Group company which operates PCTCs (Pure Car & Trucks Carriers), RO/RO and passenger ferries in the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe.

“An ESS this massive had never before been retrofitted onboard a cruise ferry vessel. It’s clear now that if shipowners are willing to go green, the technology exists,” says Roger Rosvold, Senior Vice President Sales at Corvus Energy. “We are extremely proud to be chosen to supply such a groundbreaking installation.”

The two projects started with technical teams from Grimaldi and Corvus Energy sailing aboard Cruise Barcelona to evaluate the optimal electrical and mechanical integration of an energy storage system. With the assistance from the Grimaldi on-site team, the project has been successfully completed on budget, on time and on spec.

Ronald Hansen, EVP Service & Aftermarket at Corvus Energy comments, “When we work closely together with the shipowner to clearly understand their operational needs, we can give better advice on the optimal ESS solution.” Grimaldi’s D’Ambra concurs: “We were impressed not only with Corvus’ battery technology and safety features, but also with the company’s knowledge and competence on mechanical, electrical and power systems for the maritime industry.”