Imtech to suppy key equipment for hybrid ferry

MAY 21, 2015 — Rotterdam headquartered Imtech Marine will again supply the electric and hybrid propulsion system for the third hybrid ferry ordered from the Glagow shipyard of Ferguson Marine by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (see earlier story).

For this third hybrid ferry, Imtech Marine will supply the diesel-electric and lithium ion battery hybrid propulsion system and will carry out the electrical installation. The third CMAL vessel will also have an Imtech Marine remote control monitoring system, whereby the owner can track fuel usage in real time.

Designed to reduce fuel, noise and emissions, the first CMAL ferry delivered used a lithium battery system, diesel generators and electric propulsion supplied by Imtech Marine and has proven to achieve fuel savings of 38%.

These substantial savings come from using shore-generated energy (28%), with the batteries being charged overnight with locally produced wind energy. Savings of a further 10% are due to smart load control via the Imtech Marine Energy Management System. The EMS controls the fuel optimization by preventing a second generator starting up during the complete working day (adaptive control) and it also controls the load sharing between the diesel generator and batteries based on a “market” control strategy, that matches the energy supply to demand (peak shaving).

The Energy Management System will also provide essential performance feedback to the captain through Imtech Marine’s energy dashboard. The web based remote monitoring system will provide feedback about the current and historic performance and maintenance values to the fleet owner.

Mischa Kyanin of Imtech Marine, says: “Originally we estimated the propulsion system would result in savings around the 20% level but this result of 38% exceeded all expectations. We are proud of the system’s proven performance.”

The third CMAL hybrid ferry is due to be delivered by the shipbuilder in April 2016 but Imtech Marine will deliver its system by December this year.

CMAL’s first two hybrid vessels, the MV Hallaig, delivered in November 2013, and MV Lochinvar, delivered in May 2014, operate between the Isle of Skye and Raasay and between Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Portavadie respectively.