Swedish energy systems supplier Echandia Marine is to supply Damen Shipyards with lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries for the first fleet of electric and hybrid ferries for Rotterdam’s public transport network
The three vessels are all-electric, steel ferries to serve ferry routes between Dordrecht, Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht. This is the fourth contract Damen has awarded to Echandia and the second part of a project to supply batteries for nine waterbuses.
The ferries are designed to meet the customer’s green goals, including increasing energy efficiency and reducing wake-wash. They will be fast charged at regular intervals, providing uninterrupted service. Echandia’s E-LTO battery system was chosen for its optimal weight and safety, as well as its competitive pricing.
Echandia said in a press release, “LTO is the safest maritime battery chemistry in the market – resilient to external heat and other abuse, preventing thermal runaway. It does not form dendrite like other lithium-ion chemistries, avoiding short circuits and increasing battery safety over time. E-LTO requires no active measures for water cooling or fire suppression. Propagation of thermal runaway between the Toshiba cells is almost impossible. E-LTO-batteries are completely air-cooled, which is an easy, safe, and robust system. There have been several fires involving water-cooled batteries that can be completely avoided with E-LTO batteries.”
“This is an exciting project. The Waterbuses have been designed to deliver an excellent passenger experience. They are also extremely fuel-efficient due to optimal weight, design, and configuration of onboard systems,” said Echandia chief executive Magnus Eriksson.
“This is Damen’s fourth collaborative project with Echandia. Echandia are the world leaders in maritime battery technology today, so together we are a winning combination. It feels safe to work with Echandia because they are highly competent, deliver on time and meet the very high demands for safety, battery efficiency and flexibility that our customers require, said Damen Shipyards Group supply chain manager Johan Reurink.
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