PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry, has won a contract to supply state-of-the-art Li-ion battery systems to Imtech Marine, a leading maritime technology supplier. Two Saft Seanergy® systems will be at the heart of the diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and energy management system for ‘Hybrid III’, the Roll On Roll Off (RORO) passenger and vehicle ferry designed for use on Scotland’s short sea crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides.
The new vessel, currently under construction by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd for CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd), will be Scotland’s third hybrid ferry when it enters service in autumn 2016, carrying up to 150 passengers and 23 cars or two HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles). It is being funded by the Scottish Government to help meet the target set in its Climate Change Delivery Plan to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector by at least 20 percent by 2020. It will have a service speed of nine knots and because it uses both diesel and electric power, its fuel consumption will be significantly lower than a conventional ferry, leading to fuel and CO2 emissions that are at least one fifth lower than a conventional arrangement.
The project represents a significant development for Saft as it is the first contract with Imtech Marine, the experts in supplying hybrid propulsion systems for all types of vessels.
As a modular system, Seanergy® can be scaled to meet any requirements up to 750 V. The modules are based on Saft’s Li-ion Super Phosphate (SLFP) cell chemistry, which offers the advantage of improved high energy capability and optimized total cost of ownership when compared with standard Li-ion phosphate technologies. In January 2015, marine industry independent safety assessor Bureau Veritas delivered the highest quality assessment for the Seanergy modules, establishing that the design conforms to recognised industry quality and certification standards.
The two Seanergy® systems, which provide a total of 800 kWh of energy storage, can power the vessel in battery mode only and in hybrid mode in combination with a diesel generator. The batteries will be charged overnight from shore supply while the ferry is in port. When at sea, Imtech’s energy management system will balance the energy delivered by the diesel genset and battery systems to make propulsion as efficient and clean as possible, enabling the genset to run at peak efficiency.
“Interest in hybrid propulsion is growing fast in the maritime sector as ship owners and operators come under pressure to meet more stringent energy efficiency targets. This contract for a very high profile ferry service in Scotland is further confirmation that Saft’s Li-ion technology offers a reliable, high performance and fully commercialized solution for hybrid propulsion on even the largest sea-going vessels.” said Jayesh Vir, Saft’s Key Account Manager for the Marine Segment.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com
About CMAL
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited owns the ferries, ports and harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the West coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary. Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited is wholly owned by the Scottish Government with Scottish Ministers the sole shareholders. The Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited Board have an executive management team and supporting staff at headquarters in Port Glasgow. Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited aims to provide efficient, cost-effective and safe ferries, harbours and port infrastructure for operators, communities and users in and around Scotland.
About Ferguson Marine
With over 110 years of history, Ferguson Marine is renowned worldwide for delivering engineering services across a range of industry sectors. Whilst best known for our ship building capability, the company has delivered tailored solutions to support applications in materials handling, fluids distribution, system hydraulics, power distribution and management, and civil engineering.
