New Zeland’s McKay announced in a statement that they are to develop and implement the country’s first plug-in fully electrical ferry along SSC Marine, which is planned to be built in Wellington. According to the company, the ferry is the first of its kind in New Zealand and also in the entire southern hemisphere.
Specifically, the project delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Also, it will embody a composite catamaran ferry and installed power and energy management, energy storage system and electric propulsion systems.
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Fully electric ferries are a step closer to a sustainable, eco-friendly future in the maritime industry. According to McKay, Electrek supports that fully electric ferries could cut emissions by more than 95%.
Concluding, the company’s statement highlighted that electrotechnology is innovating and brings numerous sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. With international shipping accounting for around 3% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, it is time for industry leaders to consider the effects this could have on long-term sustainability.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) warns that while other sectors, including land-based transport, make a move towards decarbonising, this 3% figure could quickly jump to over 17% by 2050 if no action is taken.