Corvus Energy Takes On First LNG Hybrid Ferry

Corvus Energy and Siemens AS have been awarded the contract for the Fannefjord LNG hybrid ferry operated by Fjord1. The refitted Fannefjord will use a 1050V, 410kWh Energy Storage System (ESS) consisting of 63 Corvus Energy AT6500 lithium polymer batteries.

The ESS will be integrated with the existing Siemens drive systems and be powered by two LNG generators.

The 123m Fannefjord, sister ship to the vessel Moldefjord (who won the 2010 Green Ship of the Year), has a capacity of 390 passengers and 125 cars or 12 road trailers and 55 cars. Typically LNG-diesel-electric ferries of this design, feature one diesel engine and two LNG-fuelled main engines.

The conversion of the already efficient and clean LNG ferry to a battery hybrid form will reduce “methane slip” and deliver even further reduced greenhouse gas emissions, fuel-efficiency, improved maintenance costs and optimized engine performance.

“We are very pleased that Corvus’ energy storage system was selected for this innovative vessel,” said Sean Puchalski, Vice President Business Development, Corvus Energy. “Based on our research, the Fannefjord will be the world’ s first LNG-battery hybrid ferry in operation.”

The contract comes shortly after Corvus completed the three month trial of the hybrid ferry MF Finnoy which used a 960V, 260kWh ESS consisting of 40 Corvus Energy AT6500 lithium polymer batteries. The ESS was integrated with the existing drive systems provided by Siemens AS, and powered by two 650kW diesel generators.

MF Finnoy, built in 1999, has a capacity of 350 passengers and 110 cars. She runs on the 20-minute crossing between Lauvvik and Oanes in Norway and spends about 10 minutes in harbour on each side loading and off loading.

With the successful three-month trial now complete, the owner will now assess the viability of completing a permanent conversion and installation, to realize ongoing cost reductions.

Press Release; Image: Remontowa Shipyard