Dutch company EST-Floattech’s German office has signed a long-term framework contract with Rolls-Royce Power Systems for EST Floatech’s Green Orca 1050 battery module which will provide energy for 10 newbuild ferries.
The two companies are forming a partnership, and this is the first order resulting from the cooperation, concerning 33 Green Orca 1050 lithium polymer battery modules for nine hybrid fast ferries. The vessels, for Italian operator Liberty Lines, are equipped with mtu hybrid propulsion packs supplied by Rolls-Royce Power Systems. Each of the modules has a capacity of 10.5 kWh, making a total of 3,118.5 kWh for the nine vessels. The sister vessels of identical design will be built at the Spanish shipyard Armon between April 2023 and April 2024, and are scheduled to begin operating between 2023 and 2026 for ferry operations between Sicily and Croatia, sailing to and from smaller Italian islands as well.
In a further order, a hybrid propulsion pack for a 76m megayacht from Turkish builder Turquoise Yachts will be supplied with 1,512 kWh of battery power. Delivery of the propulsion pack is planned for 2023, and the yacht is scheduled to be taken into service in 2025.
On both the ferries and the yacht, the battery systems are used for cruising speeds of up to 8 knots. In all-electric operation, for example when entering and leaving port, anchoring and maneuvering, this not only produces no emissions and protects the environment, but also enables greater comfort on board due to the minimal sound generated.
Walter van der Pennen, CCO EST-Floattech said: “The Framework Agreement is a milestone achievement for EST-Floattech Hamburg. Rolls-Royce Power Systems and EST-Floattech will work well together. Both companies are setting milestones on the road to climate-neutral shipping with the approved Series 2000 and Series 4000 mtu marine diesel engines, respectively the approved and DNV-certified Green Orca 1050 batteries.”
Sales Manager Germany Marc Mühlenbeck added: “Rolls-Royce Power Systems was convinced by the technical capability, high quality and reliability related to our battery system. Furthermore our technical and commercial team showed they can move fast and were able to respond fast to all technical requests.“
EST-Floattech aims to contribute to the sustainability of maritime mobility through its safe and reliable long-lasting energy storage systems. This framework contract with Rolls-Royce Power Systems allows both companies to contribute to these goals by building environmentally friendly high-speed ferries.
