Hybrid fire fighting vessels pass 100-day test

The Dresden and Prag are the first diesel-electric hybrid in Flotte Hamburg’s fleet and are equipped with battery systems from EST-Floattech.

”An important aspect in selecting the battery systems was the safety of using the lithium-ion batteries,” said Marc Mühlenbeck, sales account manager at EST-Floattech Hamburg, the company’s German subsidiary, founded in 2021.

“We apply high-quality pouch battery cells that ensure high-energy density, good heat dissipation and high-energy efficiency. In addition, two independent battery management systems monitor and control safe charging and discharging. Other safety features include a fireproof housing and a venting system in the event of a thermal runaway.”

Impressive performance

The 100 day trial tested out, among other things, the Green Orca 1050 battery systems on the inland waterway vessels.

The ships were put into operation in a successful partnership involving the vessel builder Damen, the electrical and automation project partner Royal Van der Leun and Flotte Hamburg, which is a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA).

Flotte Hamburg, fleet manager for the ± 50 ships of the ‘Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg’ since 2017, is implementing its environmental strategy for both fire-fighting boats.

Its five-pillar concept includes the switch to low-emission fuels (pillar I), as well as exhaust after treatment for new purchases (pillar II), retrofitting existing ships (pillar III) and efficient ship operation (pillar V). An example of Pillar IV – innovative drive technologies – is the battery-buffered diesel-electric hybrid drive, which optimally combines power, reliability and environmental protection.

The Green Orca 1050 modules, certified by the classification society DNV, each have a total battery capacity of 315 kWh. The plug-in hybrid allows up to four hours of fully electric and therefore emission-free travel through the port at an average speed.

The new propulsion technology has also been well received by the crews.

“I’m delighted with the handling of the two fire-fighting vessels in hybrid mode,” said Melvin Siebold, Captain at Flotte Hamburg. “As captain, I can not only carry out extremely precise manoeuvres, but also navigate large parts of the port of Hamburg in battery mode in an anticipatory sailing style. In addition to pleasant, noiseless sailing, I also observe that my colleagues are not exposed to exhaust fumes when working on deck.”

Both the Prag, which is on full-time charter for the Hamburg Fire Brigade, and the Dresden, used multifunctionally by the HPA (e.g for building inspections) and the fire brigade, were built at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld.