BMT Nigel Gee Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy, announces that it has won an order for the design of a 25m all electric, 150 passenger ferry in China.
In order to demonstrate the practical use of a battery powered ferry within the estuarial and coastal waters, where marine transportation provides a viable alternative to land-based transport, a new green ship design will be developed. BMT has been tasked with providing the design based on its innovative design capability and its proven low resistance hull form technology which is currently in use in many low wash catamaran ferries.
In addition to providing the fundamental naval architecture design, BMT will develop the layout and styling of the vessel to provide an elegant, yet simple design that reflects the vessel’s modern green credentials and practical functionality as a passenger ferry. The design uses a proven catamaran hull form with VRB batteries providing the power to the electric drive motors, which will achieve a 10 knot service speed. Solar cells are incorporated into the roof structure to top up the batteries whilst the vessel is in use.
Construction of the vessel will start by the middle of 2011 with trials and delivery by mid- 2012.
Commenting on the technical aspects of the order Ed Dudson, Technical Director at BMT Nigel Gee , says: “This design has been an interesting challenge as we needed to balance the weight of the batteries against the vessel performance in order to ensure that a practical ferry service can be provided. Winning this contract further strengthens our commitment to developing innovative solutions for customers around the world, helping them to overcome their unique design challenges.”
[mappress]
Source: BMT, August 8, 2011.