Auckland Launches Its Pioneering All-Electric Passenger Ferry

Image Credits: EV Maritime/LinkedIn

Auckland has recently introduced its inaugural fully electric high-speed passenger ferry, as reported by RNZ. This innovative vessel, crafted by EV Maritime, was launched into the Tamaki River on June 11 after a careful transition from the McMullen & Wing shipyard.

This ferry is part of a duo being developed under Auckland Transport’s initiative aimed at reducing emissions. In the upcoming weeks, both ferries will undergo rigorous technical evaluations followed by sea trials in the Hauraki Gulf to assess thier performance and automated systems.

The CEO of EV Maritime shared that after a month of testing in river conditions, this ferry will begin utilizing a newly established charging station at Half Moon Bay. Following this phase, extensive sea trials are planned before handing over the vessel to auckland Transport for crew training and final adjustments.

according to Auckland Transport’s ferry program director, these vessels are primarily designed for routes connecting Half Moon Bay with downtown Auckland but may also occasionally service areas like Devonport and Hobsonville Point.

these ferries cater to mid-harbor journeys typically lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. Each one comes with an estimated price tag of around $20 million—two-thirds funded by the New Zealand Government while additional support comes from NZTA Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council. the director emphasized that various organizations collaborated closely to ensure project success.

Construction began in 2022 with hopes that they could be operational by year-end; though, no official launch date has been confirmed yet as thorough testing remains a priority before regular service begins.

Designed by EV Maritime using propulsion technology from Christchurch’s HamiltonJet, this electric ferry features a carbon-fiber composite hull allowing it to reach speeds up to 25 knots (46 km/h) while accommodating up to 200 passengers. There’s also space for an additional 30 guests on the upper deck along with three restrooms—one being wheelchair accessible—and even a small kiosk offering barista-style coffee alongside beer and wine options.

Video Credits: Auckland transport/YouTube

With an expected lifespan exceeding three decades and batteries lasting about ten years before replacement is necessary,Auckland Transport anticipates advancements in battery technology will enhance future operations.Charging is designed for efficiency; it takes just ten minutes during passenger boarding or disembarking for enough power for one trip. Each ferry aims for eight round trips daily requiring sixteen charges overall.

The high-speed charger boasts capabilities up to 3.3 megawatts—ten times faster than Tesla’s supercharger—and marks maritime history as it utilizes CharIN Megawatt Charging System (MCS).The vessel includes two MCS inlets rated at 1.1 megawatts each.

This model belongs to EV Maritime’s new EVM200 class—a battery-electric fast ferry tailored specifically for urban public transport needs—with an impressive range of twenty miles thanks largely due its low-drag hull design created alongside Emirates Team New Zealand which minimizes water disturbance while maximizing speed efficiency.

EV Maritime oversaw all aspects including design and electrical systems while sourcing key components globally: batteries from Freudenberg (USA), motors from Danfoss (Finland), waterjets locally sourced from HamiltonJet (New Zealand), plus automated PLC systems provided by Attest (New Zealand).

The McMullen & Wing shipyard director expressed pride over this launch showcasing New Zealand’s prowess in shipbuilding combined with clean technology innovations through collaborative efforts among designers builders contractors alike making such projects feasible today!

EV Maritime’s CEO noted that although electric ferries are gaining traction worldwide; fast passenger versions remain relatively uncommon globally—a fact he believes positions their new vessel as setting standards within high-frequency electric services internationally especially given its pioneering charging system implementation!

He further highlighted how vital this project aligns with their ambition towards establishing an export market focused on electric ferries expressing gratitude towards governmental support enabling them real-world validation opportunities regarding technological advancements achieved thus far!

Looking ahead into international ventures; EV Maritime has already begun expanding beyond borders appointing leadership roles targeting North American markets starting next year! Current initiatives include developing hybrid-electric vessels intended specifically serving Angel Island Tiburon Ferry located within San Francisco Bay Area alongside partnerships formed working closely together Halifax Regional Municipality Canada through AF Theriault collaboration efforts too!