Electric ferry ‘first’

The zero-emission passenger ferry Ika Rere will reduce CO2 emissions in Wellington and help the city achieve its aim of being carbon neutral by 2050.

“While Ika Rere has cost more than an equivalent-sized diesel boat, we will make savings back over time thanks to its cheaper running costs,” said Jeremy Ward, managing director of East by West Ferries.

”The ferry’s electric motors require less maintenance than traditional diesel versions. The cost of charging the vessel’s batteries is also significantly less than filling it up with diesel.”

Clean and green

Danfoss’ compact and lightweight Editron marine drivetrain system will power the new East by West Ferries vessel, which is set to enter into service by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

Research by the New Zealand Government has found that domestic ships such as ferries and freighters emit close to 300,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. In Wellington, nearly 50% of the city’s emissions were produced from the transportation sector in 2020.

With the local council committing to becoming a net-zero-carbon city by 2050, introducing alternative energy forms of transportation, including ferries, is crucial.

The 19-metre long Ika Rere ferry can carry up to 132 passengers on journeys across Wellington Harbour at an operational speed of 20 knots.

It has been designed and built to complete one return run of 25 kilometres before charging dockside at a rate of one megawatt for 15 minutes while passengers disembark and board.

The ferry will be charged from a 300-kilowatt charger at its overnight berth during its first year of operation. It is anticipated that the Ika Rere ferry will save approximately 640 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to a similar-sized diesel alternative.