World’s largest electric ferry completes maiden voyage; 4.3MWh Leclanché battery system
16 August 2019
The world’s largest all-electric ferry, named E-ferry Ellen, made its first commercial trip on 15 August, connecting the ports of Søby and Fynshav, on the islands of Aerø and Als, in southern Denmark.
Capable of carrying approximately 30 vehicles and 200 passengers, is powered by a 4.3MWh battery system provided by Leclanché SA.
E-ferry Ellen, a single-ended, drive-through Ro-Ro passenger ferry with one continuous main deck for trailers and cars, is expected to be fully operational within a few weeks. The E-ferry is part of the Danish Natura project, which aims to provide environmentally friendly transport for local residents. This project was initiated in 2015 and was funded by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 and Innovation Program.
We are very proud to provide specifically designed unique lithium-ion battery system to this ferry, the precursor to a new era in the commercial marine sector. With its 4.3MWh capacity, the E-ferry represents a new milestone in commercial marine propulsion. Over one year, it will prevent the release of 2000 tonnes of CO2, 42 tonnes of NOx, 2.5 tonnes of particulates and 1.4 tonnes of SO2 into the atmosphere. This project demonstrates that today we can replace fossil fuel thermal drives with clean energy, and thus contribute to the fight against global warming and pollution for the well-being of our communities.
—Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché
The battery system supplied by Leclanché uses high-energy G-NMC lithium-ion cells with unique safety features, including a bi-cellular laminated design and ceramic separators.
Leclanché specifically designs and engineers a Class Type Approved and Certified Marine Rack Systems (MRS) including Fire prevention and extinguishing systems.
The project has received the DNV-GL Type Approval Certificate and the DNV-GL Product Certificate.
The Swiss company develops and manufactures its own graphite/NMC (nickel-manganese cobalt lithium oxide) and LTO (titanate lithium oxide) cells. The parallel and redundant battery and powertrain systems make the E-ferry a safe and reliable vessel.
Impressive, Ellen looks great.
The island is not written Aerø, it is: Ærø.
If you can write a Danish ø you should also write an æ.
Posted by: Foersom | 16 August 2019 at 12:36 PM
4.3 mWh is one huge battery.
Posted by: Lad | 16 August 2019 at 02:09 PM
I don't get why the train industry is waiting so much to use modern batteries instead of expensive overhead lines...
Batteries slightly bigger than this one are perfect for railroads. LiFePo4 or LTO chemistries will give you >10 year of constant operation and unlimited power.
Exchanging batteries in the route end points should be trivial for the rail industry.
And the "fuel" cost would be so low, charging the batteries at valley hours...
That would make much more sense than electrifying ships, which is probably one of the most difficult applications for batteries.
Posted by: peskanov | 17 August 2019 at 02:07 AM
FCs with much smaller batteries or super-caps would be a much better solution for trains, specially in USA and Canada where almost no overhead cables exist.
Posted by: HarveyD | 18 August 2019 at 09:32 AM
LNG/SOFC would mean higher efficiency and less pollution.
Make the LNG from renewable methane for no fossil carbon.
Posted by: SJC | 18 August 2019 at 01:05 PM
I don't think FC are cost effective in any of those cases.
Ship engines are cost sensible, fuel intensive, and lifetime intensive.
Existing FC can't compete in those specifications.
Train engines are less cost sensible, but the rest applies.
Current LiFePo4 and LTO are cost effective and have long lifespans, plus you save a lot in fuel using batteries.
I believe ships should bet in LNG as a way of reducing pollution and enhancing energy independence as sustainability (biogas can easily be produced if needed by any country, at quantities large enough to support shipping operations).
Posted by: peskanov | 21 August 2019 at 02:06 PM