12 OCTOBER 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSION M any cities around the world are taking a closer look at local waterways as a means to transport commuters and tourists who want to avoid gridlocked roads. Water taxis are growing in popu- larity and electric propulsion systems are being seen as a viable option for propelling waterborne transit. PVA Associate member Torqeedo, Crystal Lake, IL, has been designing and building electric systems for passenger vessels all around the globe. In San Antonio, TX, the famed River Walk has Electricity + Solar: New Ways of Propelling Passenger Vessels By Karen Rainbolt, FOGHORN Managing Editor been enhanced by 44 custom, 27-foot passenger vessels, each able to carry up to 40 passengers that are powered by an electric outboard engine and lithium batteries. The system is designed for automatic recharg- ing with a built-in shore power connection onboard. The Torqeedo propulsion systems are designed to be virtually maintenance free with minimal downtime. Each vessel can cruise at four knots for up to 12 hours without recharging. The future of electric propulsion is rapidly advancing. A solar-electric system is now being employed in a European ferry and could easily be adapted to U.S. passenger vessels. The 120-passenger boat runs 100 percent on the solar-bat- tery system with no auxiliary internal combustion engine by electricity generated by 120 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the ferry. In the case of the ferry in Europe, the vessel’s cruising range is eight hours running on batteries, even without sunshine. The operators expect to average six 13-km trips per day. “Electric propulsion systems are compelling because they are cleaner and quieter than diesel engines which enhances the customer experience,” said Torqeedo’s Tess Smallridge. “Furthermore, with today’s technology, solar can be added to any vessel and take away the uncertain- ty of volatile fuel prices that can adversely impact vessel operators’ budgets. With solar energy, the price doesn’t change.” Another benefit of switching to electric propulsion is lower maintenance requirements. This not only saves money, it also reduces time when the vessel is not in service. Finally, some municipalities are demanding cleaner transportation options as they strive to reduce local and regional carbon footprints. “We’re seeing requests for proposals (RFPs) for electric propulsion systems in many cities and towns because they recognize the value of cleaner air and water in their communities,” Smallridge said. Steve Trkla, President of Torqeedo Inc. in NorthAmerica, a wholly owned subsidiary of Torqeedo GmbH, said that electric vessels are leading the way for vessel operators and municipal leaders who are committed to complying with the Clean Air Act by opting to eschew diesel engines in lieu of zero emission electric power systems for their vessels. Torqeedo has already heard that some municipalities “We now have five Gladding-Hearn boats. They are the 747 of our water-taxi fleet. They’re dependable, well built, and our customers really like them. The yard is also easy to work with, responsive and stands behind their product.” Tom Fox, Chief Executive Officer New York Water Taxi Gladding-Hearn all-aluminum construction, Incat-Crowther Designs, LOA 72', beam 27', 149 passengers, speed 26 knots with 12 metric tonnes of deadweight. It takes experience to integrate customer detailing and guaranteed speeds, backed by dependable customer service. All at a price you can afford. If you’re looking to build a new boat or upgrade an old one, we can offer com- plete design and construction, from security patrol boats to high-speed ferries. To learn more call Peter Duclos at 508 676-8596 or visit: www.gladding-hearn.com. The 747 of our fleet Cutaway rendering of a solar ferry system. Image: Torqeedo