• Siemens supplies all integrated electric power and control systems on the first battery-powered ferry in Finland.
• The ferry, which will be fully operational by mid-2017, represents a step forward in the commitment to non-polluting transport.
Siemens will be responsible for providing a complete end-to-end electric propulsion solution for Finland's first battery-powered vehicle ferry. The Finnish shipping company FinFerries has commissioned the construction of the ferry to the Polish shipyard CRIST SA This new eco-friendly ferry will improve transportation options between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. It will be around 90 meters long by 16 meters wide and will have the capacity to transport up to 90 cars. The 1,6 km line will begin to operate from the summer of 2017. The ferry will be equipped with Siemens' BlueDrive PlusC electric propulsion system. It includes an energy storage system, frequency converters and motors for the propellers and an integrated monitoring and alarm system. The benefits for FinFerries will be lower operating, maintenance and repair costs, as well as improved control and safety thanks to its power management and propulsion control systems. The complete electrotechnical solution includes the EcoMain remote monitoring system. Siemens will also supply a WiFi solution to connect to ground-based charging stations controlled by the shuttle's power management system to ensure automated fast charging. With a connection to the local shore power grid, the ship's energy storage system is charged at each voyage destination. Due to the severe winter conditions in Finland, the shuttle will have the possibility to use an auxiliary diesel engine to the on-board batteries for additional propulsion to break through the ice. The shuttle operates as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Building on the positive experience gained with the world's first battery-powered vehicle ferry, the Ampere, Siemens has developed a tailor-made technical solution for Finland's first emission-free ferry. Ampere went into operation in Norway in May 2015 and has traveled a distance equivalent to more than 1,5 laps around the equator. It uses just 150 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per route and by switching from diesel to battery propulsion, shipowner Norled has cut fuel costs by 60%. This add-on order confirms Siemens' pioneering position in providing green solutions for the shipbuilding industry. “I am very pleased that the long and painstaking selection process has now been completed. We have selected the CRIST shipyard for the construction of the ship due to its competitive cost and its ability to deliver an excellent quality ship. Siemens will provide the innovative technology for the ship. It is a company with long experience and an excellent reputation that already has a similar application for the Norwegian ferry”, says Mats Rosin, CEO of FinFerries. “Battery-powered ferries offer a new sustainable, efficient and reliable mode of transport by ship. As we have already proven, this project will be another milestone in environmentally friendly technologies”, says Juergen Brandes, CEO of Siemens Process Industries and Drives Division. A new scale towards clean transport: When commissioning the country's first battery-powered vehicle ferry, Finnish shipping company FinFerries has opted for environmentally friendly technology. Siemens will supply the complete electrotechnical solution for this ferry.
