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CMAL operates 30 ferries on the west coast of Scotland to 18 islands. The new vessels are capable of operating on several routes and were designed such that a minimum of a 20% reduction in fuel would be achieved. CMAL developed a Hybrid solution using a lithium battery system, diesel generators and electric propulsion, with Imtech providing the system and engineering. However, during optimisation trials on the first vessel, it was demonstrated that fuel savings of up to 38% could be achieved. 38% fuel cuts Walter van der Pennen, Imtech Marine consultant, comments: “We are proud to have worked on this project, which brought the world’s first hybrid ferries to the market and to be at the forefront of hybrid technology. And it is great to receive industry recognition for our propulsion system.” CMAL Senior Technical Manager, Jim Anderson, says: “It is fantastic to win this prestigious award. To think this all stemmed from an innovative idea we had five years ago and now we have two hybrid ferries in the water!” The hybrid system is installed on the MV Hallaig, which operates between the Isle of Skye and Raasay and on the MV Lochinvar, which operates between Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Portavadie. “As we have seen from the optimisation trials fuel savings of up to 38% can be achieved and at the same time, we have twice the carrying capacity with the MV Hallaig (23 cars compared to 12) compared to our previous ferry,” he adds. EMS “The beauty of the system provided by Imtech is that not only do the batteries alone reduce our fuel consumption. The Imtech Energy Management System (EMS) very cleverly optimises the load sharing between the lithium ion batteries and generator whilst in Hybrid Mode, allowing the generator to run at its most efficient point. We are happy that we took the decision to move forward with these new technologies.”
Mr van der Pennen adds: “Imtech Marine looks at the whole lifetime of the ship - the Total Cost of Ownership - right from the design phase through to operations. We take an holistic approach, optimising at every stage.” Reliable & quiet There is also a much higher degree of redundancy on board the two ferries compared to the previous designs. Mr Anderson emphasises: “If we lose all power from the diesel electric generators we can run on batteries alone. On days with a reduced number of crossings the ferries can operate on batteries only all day. This clearly gives us the most reliable service possible. These vessels are a lifeline for these island communities and will hopefully encourage more tourists to visit.” Additionally, the hydrid propulsion system has enhanced the passenger experience. “Everyone is amazed the ships are so quiet. The islanders have really taken ownership of these vessels and their green credentials - it is their boat and they are very proud.” True partnership “These Awards also highlight the cooperation between Imtech Marine and CMAL, it is not just a customer relationship, we partner each other and this is vital to achieve these successful results,” Mischa Kyanin, Imtech Marine Senior Sales Support Manager adds. “We took all the challenges and responsibility for the propulsion system on our shoulders and this was appreciated by our client.” Future developments Imtech Marine is continuing developing automated control system and considering other technologies such as fuel cells for new hybrid vessels. Mr Anderson points out that for CMAL this is really the starting point, with the company considering further pioneering systems. “Our goal is to have a fleet of more fuel efficient vessels with lower emissions. Ultimately, we would like to have a zero emissions ferry!” Jury report reactions "As a supplier of complete electrical systems Imtech Marine has built a niche for itself in innovative but practical vessels, as shown by the CMAL hybrid ferries and Sonne, among others" – Bill Thomson, editor, The Motorship. "Imtech Marine is producing great solutions with very real and promising results" – Noboru Ueda, president, ClassNK. "The world’s first seagoing passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off hybrid ferry with advanced hybrid electric propulsion and energy storage systems is a major accomplishment and a milestone for the sector" – Zuomin Dong, professor and chair of the University of Victoria’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Profile Imtech Marine Imtech Marine (headquarters in Rotterdam) is a leading company in the global maritime market, operating as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole ship. Imtech Marine specializes in automation (platform and engine room), navigation, communication and connectivity solutions, propulsion systems, power generation and distribution, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), ship motion control, information technology, entertainment, water management and port services. Imtech Marine provides innovative systems and reliable maintenance services around the world during the full lifetime of the ship. The company employs appr. 2,400 staff at more than 100 offices in 30 countries, based along shipping routes and close to shipbuilding centers. www.imtechmarine.com Profile Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd owns the ferries, ports and harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the West coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary. We aim to provide efficient, cost-effective and safe ferries, harbours and port infrastructure for operators, communities and users in and around Scotland. Our responsibilities include: • Maintaining, improving and enhancing assets such as vessels and the land and property around piers and harbours • Seeking extra investment to invest in ferries and harbour facilities, making a real difference for people and businesses using these life line services • Working with stakeholders within Scotland and the wider maritime community to be acknowledged as the principal provider of the most cost-effective yet innovative ferries and port infrastructure to the benefit of the communities we serve. www.cmassets.co.uk Imtech Marine - press release |
Imtech Marine and CMAL win Electric & Hybrid
