Annie Kortsari
Hellenic Institute of Transport, Greece
Title: Ensuring safety during operation of the first all-electric ferry
Biography
Biography: Annie Kortsari
Abstract
Ferries for passengers and cars are popular especially in Europe, with main markets being Northern Europe/ Baltic and the Mediterranean. As ferries have a long life span and since energy efficiency has not been a focal area until recently, many energy inefficient ferries are in operation in Europe. The European fleet is in need of newer, more energy efficient and less CO2 emitting and polluting types.The E-ferry Project, co-funded under the Horizon 2020 Programme, aims to support and promote energy efficient, zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution free waterborne transportation for islands, coastal zones and inland waterways in Europe and beyond. This will be achieved through the application of an extremely energy efficient design concept and the demonstration of a 100% electric, emission free, medium sized ferry for passengers and cars, trucks and cargo in full scale operation on longer distances than previously seen. All-electric vessels face a number of challenges related to operation and safety. The absence of other energy sources means that the pack must function at all times, under all conditions to maintain the vessel’s operability/manoeuvrability. Absolute reliability is achieved by innovative battery technology allowing the vessel to operate at all times. The largest battery pack (4.3MWh) has a weight impact, affecting the vessel’s draft and efficiency and putting focus on weight saving. Furthermore, effective thermal management is essential for safety and pack longevity. These multiple conflicting requirements shaped the E-Ferry concept which at the same time needed to absolutely safe and reliable.