Incat to build electric ferry for Buquebus; moves forward with Incat Electric

Singling out other weight-saving measures within the design, Mr Clifford adds, “One of the biggest weight issues is the structural fire protection to protect passengers from a car fire. If we concentrate that area on a lower level, the rest of the ship doesn’t need structural fire protection, which saves 60-70 tonnes.”  

Rather than jets, the ship will use pods. “These work extremely well for 25 knots – but are not as good for 30 knots. That is when jets are better, but as the target speed is 25 knots, we can use pods,” says Mr Clifford. 

Optional generator sets in containers are possible, which offer an interim diesel/electric solution, multi fuel type options including methanol and genset removal once shore power is available.   

Mr Clifford comments, “These are only there as an interim measure until shore power is available to charge the batteries. Once the ports have power, the containers can be removed. Shore power is a major problem which is why we have put generators on, so if someone says they can’t get power for five years, then we have a solution.” 

He sums up, “But they are just a temporary measure. The real solution is to do away with everything apart from the batteries.” 

When shore charging facilities are available, Incat-built electric ferries will make greater use of batteries, with project goals envisaging installed battery power of up to 30 MWh. The ferry will include retractable charging ports, both port and starboard.

Speaking about onshore charging, Mr Clifford says, “If we look at Channel crossings, it would probably be 12 times a day the ships would charge. The charge time needs to be as quick as possible – 30 to 40 minutes, and then maybe four to five hours overnight.” 

He says the “ideal route” for the Incat Electric is across the Channel, because of the shorter distances involved. He comments, “We are talking to various operators. They are very interested and so are we.” 

Other promising areas include the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.  

The 25-knot market has strong potential for Incat’s concept, with Mr Clifford estimating a possible 99,000 steel ships that could be replaced, with 1,000 of these being suitable for an aluminium electric ferry.  

“Going to 25 knots from 35 only adds another 10 minutes on to journey time and the cost of the fuel is a quarter,” says Mr Clifford.  

He sums up, “There is nothing new in this ship, pods are old fashioned, batteries and generators well established, there is nothing risky in this. We are using today’s technology, not that which is five to 10 years out. A ship built in steel with batteries will weight twice as much as one in aluminium.”  

Incat and ABB team up  

In October last year it was announced Incat has teamed up with ABB to explore options to build the ferry. ABB has signed a letter of intent with Incat to evaluate the suitability of a 148-m ropax ferry Incat 148E operating on hybrid mode and adapting to full battery operation at a later stage. 

Conceived by Revolution Design, Incat’s inhouse design office, 148E would be built in Australia to DNV class, operating at speeds of up to 21 knots. 

If built, the concept ferry would feature ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution and power and energy management system, 800xA distributed control system, a remote diagnostic system and two Azipod propulsion units, enabling highly precise control and manoeuvrability, maximising efficiencies across the operational range of the vessel. 

Mr Clifford said, “All at Incat are extremely excited at having the opportunity to work alongside ABB. This collaboration combines the world’s leading global technology company and the world’s leading lightweight shipbuilder into a partnership that is 100% focused on completely green energy transport solutions for the future.” 

And in further news, as part of its ambitions, Incat has hired former Tasmanian Premier and Climate Change Minister Peter Gutwein. 

Mr Clifford said, “As we position the company for significant growth, his knowledge and experience will be valuable as we deal with the rapidly expanding low-emissions (electric) global market.” 

The Incat appointment will see Mr Gutwein working with the shipyard management on a regular basis, in one of several roles he has taken up since stepping down from Parliament and as Premier of Tasmania earlier this year.

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