SES Europe and Green City Ferries have launched the world’s fastest Air Supported Vessel (ASV), which is completely powered by a lithium-ion battery energy storage system (ESS).
The BB Green is the first of its kind vessel that will reduce local emissions and provide silent and waterway transportation. Launched at Latitude Yachts in Riga, Latvia, the ship uses ASV technology, which enables it to operate on an air cushion to reduce water resistance. A battery powered fan in the bow injects pressurised air into a cavity under the ship and supports around 80% of the vessel’s displacement.
BB Green includes a Leclanché lithium ion battery ESS that enables it to operate at high speeds for over 30 minutes at a 14 nautical mile range. The ultra-fast charging of the battery means that it can be charged within 15-20 minutes at each stop, making it the world’s fastest electric commuter vessel linking the outer suburbs to the city centre via the inland waterways.
The innovative vessel is the result of a five-year long EU-project that involves eight partners for design, construction, system integration, ESS, testing, safety and classification, engineering with Aqualiner, the Netherlands as the end user partner.
The ship can operate at a speed of 30 knots and will initially be used for demonstration purposes across Europe. It will first sail from Riga to Stockholm, through the canal to Gothenburg and then on to Oslo and will be operated by its owners.
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