Headquartered in Henderson, WA, Austal Australia has launched the VOLTA series of electric-powered high-speed ferry solutions, with the introduction of the Passenger Express 46V, a fully electric-powered 46m catamaran ferry design.
Austal’s new VOLTA series is distinct from existing, electric-powered vessels in the marketplace by going beyond the replacement of diesel engines with an electric (battery) power plant, to offer a completely integrated design, construction and support solution – including on-shore charging infrastructure and in-service support programs for operators.
VOLTA series vessels combine all new, lightweight, low-resistance hull forms, specifically designed, tested and optimised for electric-power propulsion, with state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries. Austal provides operators with a fully customised design and ‘turnkey’ solution, taking into account passenger numbers, vessel schedules and charging infrastructure.
Austal Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the new VOLTA series represent the future of commercial maritime transport, offering operators a cost-effective electric-powered vessel capable of zero emissions, lower operating costs, a quieter and more comfortable ride, and outstanding reliability.
“For any high speed vessel and even more so for electric-powered ferries, optimising vessel weight and performance is essential – driving not just operating costs, but the size and upfront purchase cost of the batteries and the charging system,” Gregg said. “With Austal’s unique VOLTA series of custom designed and built vessels, customers may achieve a lower total cost of ownership without compromising on performance or capability. Operators can reliably and profitably sail on schedule all day, every day.
“Austal’s VOLTA series also future-proofs an operator’s fleet by introducing environmentally friendly, ‘green’ technology that already meets widely anticipated, low or zero-emission targets for public transport vehicles and operators, worldwide.”
Austal drew upon the company’s experience and expertise in innovative, high-speed craft design, construction and support, and collaborated with industry-leading electric technology partners from around the world to develop the VOLTA series over the past two years.
The first-of-class, 46m ‘Passenger Express 46V’ is designed to provide an environmentally friendly, economical vessel ideal for metropolitan, inland waterway commuter ferry services. Boasting a capacity of up to 450 passengers, a maximum speed of 25 knots and fast charging capability, with a range of over 175 nautical miles per day, the Passenger Express 46V highlights the real advantages of the VOLTA design technology.
Austal plans to expand the VOLTA series through the development of additional models for both commercial and defence applications, including autonomous vessels; and continue research & development into emerging propulsion technology, to deliver zero-wemission marine solutions globally.