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novembre 02, 2021 - ZEM As

ZEM’s marine battery solutions set sail for Switzerland

Comunicato Stampa disponibile solo in lingua originale. 

Despite its famously landlocked location, this alpine country could prove to be a profitable new region for sales of the Norwegian company’s maritime electric driveline solutions. A historic small passenger ferry on the Greifensee is set to be its first vessel in the German Part of #switzerland to embark upon a sustainable journey away from fossil fuels with #zem batteries. 

ZEM is opening new territories for its battery and electric driveline solutions as it sets out on yet another nautical repowering project – this time, partnering with Shiptec AG following a successful tender for the electrification of the MS HEIMAT. In creating the first sustainably powered passenger vessel for a historic vessel in #switzerland, the project will also be ZEM’s first foray into the region. 

Now on to its third diesel engine since it was built in 1933, the Heimat operates all year round, typically making 12 daily trips as it carries up to 60-foot passengers a time crossing the quiet and romantic Greifensee between Maur and Uster, not far from Zürich.

SGG – the Greifensee shipping cooperative and owner of the MS HEIMAT – took a rather bold step and wanted to equip the historic vessel with the latest battery technology. They commissioned well-respected Shiptec AG in Luzern to carry out a feasibility study for electrification, scrutinizing various systems proposed by various separate suppliers. Towing tests, as well high dynamic power measurements for propulsion and hotel load were carried out by Shiptec AG to provide information concerning the most suitable dimensions and placement of motor and batteries, likely service life, and an estimate of the likely investment and operating costs. 

With the results confirming the viability of such a conversion, and the realization that #zem had the most experience with such type vessels in the world, SGG signed off on switching the motor launch to fully electric propulsion, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by around 10 tons per year.  

To power its typical 20 km or so of daily operation, the #zem and Shiptec will retrofit the Heimat with a 99 kWh AKAZEM lithium-ion battery system. Already proven in a variety of smaller ships and ferries, including electric lifeboats for the offshore industry and more than 30 hybrid fish-farming vessels, this will provide more than enough power for a normal day’s. While the plan is to charge the batteries 100 % from sustainable sources inclusive upgrades by photovoltaic systems, there is insufficient room on the Maur pier for such an installation and fitting solar panels on the boat’s roof is not possible due to reasons of stability and maintaining its external historical authenticity.

Further information in the press release to download