- Indian Register of Shipping has classed a battery-powered hybrid catamaran ferry.
- The 25-m long Water Metro 01 catamaran ferry, designed for shore charging and certified to carry 100 passengers.
- The project is a part of a self-reliancy drive in India and represents the collective efforts of CSL, KMRL and IRS.
Indian Register of Shipping has classed a battery-powered hybrid catamaran ferry – the first in a series of 23 such vessels being built by Cochin Shipyard in India’s southern state of Kerala, says an article published on Riviera website.
Propelled by a hybrid-electric propulsion
The 25-m long Water Metro 01 catamaran ferry, designed for shore charging and certified to carry 100 passengers, is propelled by a hybrid-electric propulsion system by means of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) batteries and DG sets.
The 122-kWh capacity batteries are capable of fast charging and the vessel can run on power generated by the onboard DG sets as well as hybrid mode, which is a combination of both DG sets and batteries.
Self-reliance drive in India
The vessel is owned by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and is a part of an integrated water transport system for Kochi city. The vessels are expected to operate on 15 routes connecting 41 jetties, across 10 island communities on a 76-km route network in Kochi.
The project is a part of a self-reliancy drive in India and represents the collective efforts of CSL, KMRL and IRS.
Guidelines for battery-powered vessels
IRClass has developed guidelines for battery-powered vessels and the vessel was assigned with the notation ’Battery Prop’. The notation is assigned to vessels where the battery systems are used for ship propulsion in accordance with the requirements of these guidelines.
IRClass said the experience gained through this project has helped the class society develop a greater understanding of the challenges posed by the use of battery systems on ferries – a segment set to grow in the coming years. IRClass managing director Vijay Arora said, “IRClass Plan Approval Centre and surveyors have worked closely with Cochin Shipyard and other stakeholders in making this project a reality.”
“IRS is actively working with the industry in developing technologies using renewable energy and alternative fuels in line with the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy.”
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Source: Riviera
