Echandia will supply lithium-titanate-oxide (LTO) batteries for three fully electric ferries that will operate in the Netherlands.
The contract with Damen Shipyards will see the Swedish energy systems supplier provide rechargeable LTO batteries for the first fleet of electric and hybrid ferries for Rotterdam’s public transport network.
“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’s CEO, Magnus Eriksson.
Designed for energy efficiency
The three vessels are all-electric, steel ferries, to serve ferry routes between Dordrecht, Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht. The ferries are designed to increase energy efficiency and reduce 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.
This is the fourth contract Damen has awarded to Echandia and the second part of a project to supply batteries for a total of nine waterbuses.
LTO is understood to be the safest maritime battery chemistry in the market - resilient to external heat and other abuse, preventing thermal runaways. 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.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
