Battery power for electric ferry

Ballerina has placed the order for Saft’s Li-ion marine battery systems on behalf of Stockholm Public Transportation in Sweden, which ordered the battery powered ferry with the objective of saving fuel and improving its environmental credentials.

Christer Steen, Saft’s sales manager for the Nordic countries and Germany, said: “Saft is a pioneer in electrically powered vessels, which are growing in popularity and offer the promise of low operating costs, quiet operation and reduced emissions. Saft sees significant potential in this market.”

The order builds on Saft’s experience of supplying Li-ion battery systems to the marine sector, where there is growing demand for propulsion systems that offer significant fuel savings compared with diesel engines as well as operation that is both quiet and low in emissions.

In 2013, Saft supplied batteries for two new hybrid battery and diesel-powered ferries for the city of Bordeaux, as well as a 100% battery-powered shuttle boat which began service on the canal Saint-Denis in Paris.

When it starts operation in September 2014, Ballerina’s new electric ferry, which is yet to be named, will carry foot passengers and cyclists between 10 stops on a 50 minute route of the waterways of Stockholm. It will operate throughout the year, completing eight round trips per day. The batteries will be fully charged during the ferry’s overnight stay in the harbour with two partial charging sessions during the course of the day.

To deliver the required duty, Saft is supplying its marine battery systems with a total energy storage capacity of 500kWh at 650V.

Ordered in December 2013, the Li-ion cells for the battery systems will be manufactured at Saft’s facility at Nersac with delivery of the entire energy storage systems units (ESSUs) in May 2014.