Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division will provide the electric drivetrain systems that will power Auckland’s first two fully electric fast passenger ferries.
The project will be the first to be delivered as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with marine technology firm - EV Maritime, which will see the two companies partner to electrify fully electric fast ferry fleets in cities worldwide. Auckland is aiming for an entirely electric fleet of passenger ferries by 2040, which is expected to save one million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Electric drivetrain systems for fast ferries
New Zealand-based maritime services organisation - EV Maritime is developing the city’s first two fully-electric fast ferries, which will be powered by electric drivetrain systems, provided by Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division. The project is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies to electrify urban rapid transit fleets worldwide.
Auckland Transport is aiming for its ferry services to become 100% electric by 2030
With approximately six million passenger journeys per year, Auckland’s current ferry fleet burns 13 million litres of diesel annually, releasing about 34,000 tons of CO2. To overcome this issue, Auckland Transport is aiming for its ferry services to become 100% electric by 2030, which should save one million tons of CO2 every year.
Danfoss and EV Maritime partnership
To help achieve this ambitious target, Danfoss’ Editron division and EV Maritime have partnered to develop the city’s first two high-speed, full-size, zero-emission fast ferries, which will hit the water in 2024.
The 24-meter vessels will be capable of carrying up to 200 passengers and travel at speeds of up to 25 knots. Each ferry will save at least a thousand tons of CO2 emissions annually and will be built using longer-lasting composite materials.
EDITRON electronic and power management marine system
Designed and engineered in New Zealand by EV Maritime, the ferries will be powered by an EDITRON electronic and power management marine system comprising converters, propulsion machines, DC-link, transformers and an energy management system. The vessels’ propulsion will be enabled by four jet propulsors, driven by the motors.
Danfoss’ Editron division will also provide an independent battery connection for each battery string, delivering high efficiency and fully electric power to the motors, regardless of the battery stage and voltage.
EDITRON DC-system’s single-fault tolerance
In the event of a fault, the EDITRON DC-system’s single-fault tolerance will guarantee that all four thrusters can continue running on at least half power, or three thrusters can run on full power.
Philipp Fedorov, the Marine Sales Director of Danfoss’ Editron division, explained “Achieving a zero-emissions marine industry is a team effort, so we’re excited by the new opportunities that this MOU will offer. Our future commercial roll-out, beginning in Auckland, will bring together the latest electric propulsion technologies and shore charging infrastructure.”
Efficient, compact and reliable solution
Danfoss’ solution is one of the most efficient, compact and reliable on the market
Danfoss’ solution is one of the most efficient, compact and reliable on the market, while the company’s approach also means that batteries can be easily upgraded.
Furthermore, it allows different battery makers to integrate into one system or add alternative energy sources, such as fuel cells. This concept, co-developed with EV Maritime, will be easy to scale, replicate, and implement in any location and environment.
Weight and size-efficient power electronics
Michael Eaglen, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EV Maritime, stated “We chose to partner with Danfoss’ Editron division for its weight and size-efficient power electronics, which are a significant enabler of the high-speed capabilities that set these vessels apart.”
Michael Eaglen adds, “This project aims to create an innovative and pioneering zero-emissions urban transportation alternative. We believe it’s only the beginning of Auckland’s marine electrification journey and are looking forward to working on future projects with Danfoss worldwide.”
