What is believed to be the first all-electric passenger ferry in the Southern Hemisphere, ‘Ika Rere’, has recently completed its first round trip.
The 19m 135-passenger New Zealand-developed vessel was built by Wellington Electric Boat Building Company (WEBBCo) for local ferry company, East By West, to provide a service in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) between Wellington CBD to Days Bay and Matiu/Somes Island.,
The vessel features a Danfoss Editron marine drivetrain system. Work on the ferry began in 2018, but the launch was delayed due to Covid restrictions.
East by West MD Jeremy Ward said: “While the quiet hum of an electric boat is a much more pleasurable experience for passengers, this project is driven by our desire to take climate action. Our two other diesel ferries use about 250,000 litres of fuel a year between them, it’s not sustainable for the planet and I knew electrification was the answer. I was surprised to discover we were the first in New Zealand to be doing it, but we didn’t let that hold us back.
Like many complex infrastructure projects, COVID’s impact was felt but the team powered on.
WEBBCo MD Fraser Foote said: “We are the first in the southern hemisphere to have taken a vessel of this kind off the drawing boards, and onto the water. Our collaborative approach with a team of leading NZ maritime experts alongside our experienced in-house build team was key to this, and we’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Composite specialist Gurit developed a composite solution which offered not only structural integrity, but also manufacturing efficiencies.
Tony Stanton, Head of Engineering Gurit Asia Pacific, said: “Our local team of engineers and technicians are excited to see the innovations of the whole build and design team come to life. This may be a first for NZ – but it certainly won’t be the only one. We see great potential for commercially operated electric vessels throughout NZ waterways.”
The design and compliance assurance was carried out by New Zealand-based SSC Marine.
SSC Marine director Christian Stimson said: “This is a huge achievement by all involved. The ground-breaking and complex requirements of this project was not easy to execute; but the result is outstanding, and we’re pleased to say she is floating precisely on her marks.”.
Other companies involved in the project include specialist consultancy firm Retyna, design specialist Kit Carlier Design, electrical specialist McKay, and power provider Meridian Energy.
