EST-Floattech will provide the battery system for a purpose-built Electric-Landing Utility Vessel (E-LUV) to be built at Coastal Workboats’ new yard Stornoway as well as the shore-based power supply system. The E-LUV is set to be the UK’s first commercial electric workboat.
The collaboration with Coastal Workboats Scotland marks a significant step towards lowering emissions in the UK’s maritime industry with EST-Floattech‘s technology.
The collaboration is realised due to Coastal Workboats receiving a GBP 6 million (EUR 7 million) grant to demonstrate the UK’s first commercial electric workboat and charging station. This grant, provided by the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), underscores the industry’s recognition of the pressing need for cleaner, greener maritime operations and will boast the usage of electric workboats in a commercial environment.
Also read: EST-Floattech wins EUR 4 million in funding to further electrify shipping
Ro-Ro and dry cargo ferry
The E-LUV is a Ro-Ro and dry cargo transportation ferry that will be equipped with 2400 kWh of EST-Floattech’s Octopus High Energy battery system. The system will be placed as two independent battery systems on board, power a range of equipment, and be used for fully electric sailing.
Starting for demonstration purposes in the Shetland Isles in a short trial, the E-LUV will be operating between West Burrafirth and Papa Stour. The route takes about 45 minutes, twice per day and five days a week, while showcasing the capabilities of energy storage solutions in maritime applications.
Also read: EST-Floattech delivers batteries for SFK ferry Laboe
Containerised battery
Secondly EST-Floattech will supply 1200 kWh of the Octopus High Energy battery system, to be placed in a 20-foot container that will support the charging of Coastal Workboats’ E-LUV vessel. It is also possible to place the containerised energy storage solution on board as a range extender. The company will be collaborating with MJR Power & Automation for the system integration and the entire system will be placed inside the container by Renew Marine Ltd.
Also read: EST-Floattech battery powers world’s first CO2-neutral event vessel
Step forward in safety
The E-LUV will adhere to Bureau Veritas classification standards. The battery system will not only be safer, but it will also need less maintenance. This Ro-Ro and dry cargo transportation ferry is set to become a new standard for emission-free voyages. This contract is a significant achievement for Coastal Workboats, a small, family-run yard, and also for EST-Floattech.
Coastal Workboats’ chief engineering manager Luke Parnell: ‘Our attraction to the Octopus Series quite simply comes down to safety. EST-Floattech have produced a class-approved product that brings to market a level of safety unseen previously. In particular, the passive nature of the heat dissipation system represents a marked step forward in safety, particularly for an application in the marine ‘environment. Given our primary concern is safety above all, the Octopus was the perfect choice for us.
