Incat Tasmania is partnering with DFDS to complete a design study for the construction of a cutting-edge electric-hybrid ferry
The 72-m ferry, which will have the option to convert to fully electric, is suited to several ferry routes across Europe.
Incat chief executive Stephen Casey said, “Since launching the design of our series-produced electric ships last November, there has been significant interest from many ferry operators, and we’re excited to work with DFDS on its projects.”
He added, “We know battery electric or electric-hybrid propulsion coupled with lightweight aluminium on shorter sea routes will be the ideal choice to cut emissions, and it’s great to see major operators such as DFDS sharing in our goal to shape the future of decarbonisation in maritime transport.
“Incat pioneered the development of large vehicle-carrying catamarans in the 1990s and now we’re ready to work with ferry operators around the world to showcase what the future of maritime transport looks like.”
Incat has specialised in lightweight aluminium vessel design and construction for the past four decades. Mr Casey explained that aluminium ferries, being approximately half the weight of their steel counterparts, require less power when operated at similar speeds and deadweights. This results in significant energy savings and emissions reductions.
Incat is based in Tasmania where the state generates 100% of its energy needs from renewables, and the energy consumed in the construction of Incat vessels comes from 100% renewable sources – a combination of hydro, wind and solar. Tasmania has achieved net-zero emissions for the past seven years in a row, making Incat the only shipyard in Australia, and part of only a handful in the world, able to produce zero-emissions ships in a State that has already achieved net zero.
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