New Zealand companies HamiltonJet and EV Maritime have signed a MoU to build advanced, battery-powered commuter ferries.
The cooperation was formalized at HamiltonJet’s Christchurch headquarters in May, in the presence of Hon Dr Megan Woods, New Zealand’s Minister of Energy & Resources and Minister of Research Science & Innovation.
The aim is to develop one of the world’s first truly high-speed, full-size, zero emission fast ferries, in line with an overall aim for decarbonization of the harbour cities of the world.
This is an opportunity for New Zealand to claim an important place in the global green transportation sector, with associated sustainable employment and significant long term export potential,
…says EV Maritime CEO Michael Eaglen.
Waterjets, adds HamiltonJet CEO Ben Reed, offer precise control during docking and the ability to upgrade to automated control technologies in the future.
Ferries come and go from the same docks. It means charging infrastructure can be installed at those docks and scheduling can be managed to share charging opportunities around fleets…Our analysis suggests there are very few inshore commuter ferry operations in the world today which need to use diesel. Quite simply, electric is better business already,
…concludes Michael Eaglen.