Västtrafik, the organization responsible for public transport in the Västra Götaland region of Sweden, has taken delivery of a fourth hybrid-electric ferry powered by an EST-Floattech battery system. Built by Työvene in Finland, the Eloise is a 33-metre double-ended commuter ferry designed to carry up to 298 passengers and 80 bicycles at speeds of up to 11 knots.

The EST-Floatech installation is based on their flagship Green Orca 1050 High Energy Battery System (or ESS: Energy Storage System). This uses NMC lithium polymer cells that provide exceptional life and thermal performance, as well as high discharge rate capability. EST-Floatetech’s in-house Battery Management System (BMS) forms the basis of the Green Orca High Energy Module, a technology that has been proven for over a year.
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Juha Granqvist, CEO of Uudenkaupungin Työvene Oy, said: “We are all proud to have been able to contribute to a greener Gothenburg.

Antti Vikainen, project manager at Uudenkaupungin Työvene OY and supervising the construction, added: “We are happy to have collaborated with EST-Floattech as the supplier of one of the key components for Eloise. The support we received in addition to the delivery and commissioning of the battery system proved invaluable, particularly when determining the safety requirements for battery installation. The vessel itself is already a proven design that has evolved from a diesel-electric powered ferry to a battery-powered hybrid capable of running almost exclusively on stored electric power for its designed application.

Safe and certified food
The battery management system is essential for safe and optimal performance of the ESS. The current version of EST-Floatetech is the result of ten years of continuous development. Multiple layers of security in the mechanical design and software ensure it meets stringent DNV and NMA class requirements.

This commitment to continuous development means that the battery capacity of the Eloise is 25% greater than that of her sister ship the Elvy, which was delivered in 2019. With an installed capacity of 1260 kWh, the Eloise is capable of six hours of continuous electrical operation. . Recharging is done using shore power or the on-board diesel generator.

Shipbuilder Työvene specializes in the design and construction of small and medium-sized vessels for commercial operations. Their delivery of the Eloise to Västtrafik represents an important milestone in the latter’s aim to have Gothenburg’s public transport system fully electrified by 2030.

More than 200 EST-Floatetech energy storage solutions are in service in a wide range of marine applications. Notably, some workboats are sailing today with the exact same battery pack that was originally installed 10 years ago.

The products and services described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.