18 OCTOBER 2017 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSION A s the first U.S. diesel-electric hybrid passenger vessel is currently being constructed for its 2018 San Francisco Bay debut (see page 17, September 2017 FOGHORN) for PVA Vessel member Red and White Fleet, a Swedish operator is already receiving accolades for its electric commuter ferry. With the unmistakable assistance of PVA member Volva Penta, which supplied propulsion pods, the electric commuter ferry was recently awarded the electric and hybrid propulsion system of the year at the Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo Conference 2017. This groundbreaking ferry is the touted as the “world’s first fully electric air supported vessel (ASV)” and has a hull that “sits on a cushion of air, provided by a fan, to reduce friction by 40 percent when compared to a con- ventional vessel,” according to a report released on the Volvo Penta’s website. In case someone should miss the intent of the ferry’s state-of-the-art, electric propulsion system, its name—BB Green—makes it abundantly clear that this vessel is carbon-free and environ- mentally responsible. According the report, the BB Green is also the world’s fastestASV – and the first electric vessel of its kind to be used as a passenger ferry. With a top speed of 30 knots, the 99-passenger ferry is capable of high-speed operation for 30 minutes. It was designed to carry pas- sengers around Stockholm’s inland waterways. Here’s how it works: A 200 kWh lithium titanate energy storage system in the prototype powers two electric motors. In the context of every day operation, the plan is to use a 500 kW battery, providing a range of 26km--the vessel can be recharged in less than 20 minutes, which is both impressive and for the owner of an electric car, a little jealousy-inducing. The battery system has a multi-string and multi-pack con- Are Electric Engines the Future of Marine Propulsion? By Karen Rainbolt, FOGHORN Managing Editor Three continuous, highly engineering aluminium components combine together to form the profile of this indoor / outdoor bench. Solid or timber powder coats available, customize the look and configuration to suit your passenger vessel or terminal. Available in any length, from 3ft to upwards of 18ft for a single bench. Upgrade your passenger seating, talk to us today about your next project. The Island Bench