EST-Floattech has delivered and commissioned its Octopus Series battery system on the SFK ferry Laboe. Holland Shipyards Group recently delivered the ferry to Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK).

The Laboe is the sixth ferry in a series of seven with which SFK has the ambition to lower its CO2 emissions. The new ferry is equipped with 560 kWh of the Octopus High Energy system. This battery system ensures the energy consumption remains low during the sailing, as the vessel can easily switch between generators and the battery system.

The vessel can even sail fully emission-free around the city of Kiel, where it transports commuting pedestrians and cyclists from A to B. The system was integrated by Holland Ship Electric, who decided to collaborate with EST-Floattech on the ferries for SFK.

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Octopus Series

The Octopus Series’ integrated energy management system optimises the use of stored energy, enabling the ferry to operate more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption, leading to lower emissions and operational costs. This system has batteries with high energy density, ensuring optimal performance and long operational life for the Laboe.

The Octopus energy storage system on board the Laboe (by EST-Floattech)
The Octopus energy storage system on board the Laboe (by EST-Floattech).

Malte Klein from SFK says: ‘When the new Octopus High Energy System was presented to us for the first time, we were impressed by the overhauled design and HMI features of the system. Simple integration into the ship’s networks and better connectivity to the PMS, moreover the new system comes with a higher safety standard. The performance of the system is more than satisfactory. SFK has also been informed that the system can handle different batteries types so it future proof.’

‘The new Octopus High Energy EST battery system has been successfully integrated into both the hybrid ferry Laboe and the fully battery-powered ferry Dietrichsdorf,’ adds Rens Gerritsen, project manager from Holland Shipyards Group. ‘The inclusion of state-of-the-art battery racks and covers enhances the overall professional aesthetics of the system.’

Picture (top) vy SFK as supplied by EST-FLoattech.

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