An EU project has designed a ferry that runs entirely on battery power, which it claims is the world’s fastest air-supported vessel.
The BB Green, which holds up to 70 passengers plus bikes, was launched recently in Riga and is powered by a lithium-ion battery energy storage system. The technology reduces water resistance by having the ship operate on an air cushion.
A battery-powered fan in the bow injects pressurised air into a cavity under the ship and supports some 80 percent of the vessel’s displacement. The resistance is reduced by 40 percent at high speed, which makes it possible for the 25-ton ship to reach a speed of 30 knots propelled by 2 x 280 kW electric motors.