Ferry Bryggen
In early 2019, Eekels was chosen by Damen to participate in a sustainable project: the construction of five new type 2306 E3 fully electric ferries. The assignment was later expanded to seven e-ferries, all of which will be used for public transport in the centre of Copenhagen. Due to the completely emission-free propulsion system, total emissions from public transport in Copenhagen are estimated to decrease by 2.5% for CO2, 10% for NOx and 66% for particulates. Each e-ferry can carry up to eighty passengers. The absence of diesel engines means they operate quietly and vibration-free.
Eekels' contribution to this ambitious and green project can be described as large and unique. For example, Eekels designed and/or integrated all the essential systems. Among other things, Eekels developed an energy management system, which regulates the energy flows required for electric propulsion and the recharging of the battery packs on board. Recharging takes place from a shore charge station during mooring and takes only a few minutes. Eekels integrated both the battery management and fast-charging systems and also designed, supplied and installed the system for overnight charging. Eekels also designed and supplied the entire propulsion system, based on Aradex drives, including associated DC and AC distribution devices and the bridge desks.
Eekels equipped the e-ferries with its proprietary Marpower Automation System (MAS), providing a complex piece of customisation. The modular MAS collects information from all subsystems on board and communicates with the charging stations on shore. The relevant data is clearly displayed on the central interface on the bridge. The integration of energy management with propulsion control within one automation solution, allows the e-ferry to be operated by one person.
Some key figures:
Length ferry : 23 metres
Propulsion power : 2x 100 kW
Bow thruster power : 1x 25 kW
Battery capacity : 180 kWh
Shore charging station : 600 kW
Recently, the first e-ferries of the series have been handed over to the end customer. Eekels is very grateful to Damen for the order and the trust in our technical expertise.