Imtech Marine has been awarded a contract to supply the hybrid propulsion system, consisting of diesel electric in combination with[ds_preview] battery technology, to the first diesel electric hybrid seagoing ferries. Owned by Scottish company Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL), the two vehicle and passenger ro-ro ferries will be built by Ferguson Shipbuilders of Glasgow. The vessels will be powered by diesel generator sets, feeding power to a 400 V switchboard, which will supply power to permanent magnet propulsion motors. Green technology includes two lithium battery banks of approximately 700 kWh, reducing fuel and CO2 consumption by at least 20 %, Imtech explained. When in port, the ships will completely switch off the propulsion and switch to batteries and ultimately shore connection. The ferries will charge overnight and in future the CMAL aims to use energy from wind, wave or solar systems for charging the batteries. The ferries will be operated by Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, CalMac Ferries, and will be designed for the short routes around the Clyde and Hebrides. With a service speed of 9 kn, the hybrid ferries will be able to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or two heavy goods vehicle (HGVs).
