Leclanché powers the world’s largest electric ferry which has completed its maiden voyage

“Ellen”, the world’s largest all-electric ferry, today connected the ports of Søby and Fynshav (Denmark).A s the project’s energy storage partner, Leclanché provided the ground breaking battery system for this project.

YVERDON-LES-BAINS, Switzerland, August15,2019–The world’s largest all-electric ferry, named E-ferry Ellen, made its first commercial trip early this morning, Thursday August 15 2019, connecting the ports of Søby and Fynshav, on the islands of Aerø and Als, in southern Denmark. This revolutionary ship, capable of carrying approximately 30 vehicles and 200 passengers, is powered by a battery system with an unprecedented capacity of 4.3MWh provided by Leclanché SA (SIX:LECN), one of the world’s leading energy storage companies.

Participating to this event celebrating the first scheduled ferry service between the two Danish islands were the respective mayors of the two municipalities, Ole Wej Petersen of Aerø and Erik Lauritzen of Søndeborg. E-ferry Ellen is expected to be fully operational within a few weeks. E-ferry is part of the Danish Natura project, which aims to provide environmentally friendly transport for local residents. This project was initiated in 2015 and was funded by the European Union through the Horizon 2020 and Innovation Program.

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché, said:

“We are very proud to provide a specifically designed unique lithium-ion battery system to this ferry, the precursor to a new era in the commercial marine sector. With its 4.3MWh capacity, the E-ferry represents a new milestone in commercial marine propulsion. Over one year, it will prevent the release of 2000 tonnes of CO2, 42 tonnes of NOX, 2.5 tonnes of particulates and 1.4 tonnes of SO2 into the atmosphere. This project demonstrates that today we can replace fossil fuel thermal drives with clean energy, and thus contribute to the fight against global warming and pollution for the well-being of our communities.”

The battery system supplied by Leclanché uses high-energy G-NMC lithium-ion cells with unique safety features, including a bi-cellular laminated design and ceramic separators. Leclanché specifically designs and engineers a Class Type Approved and Certified Marine Rack Systems (MRS) including Fire prevention and extinguishing systems. The project has received the DNV-GL Type Approval Certificate and the DNV-GL Product Certificate. The Swiss company develops and manufactures its own graphite/NMC (nickel-manganese cobalt lithium oxide) and LTO (titanate lithium oxide) cells. The parallel and redundant battery and powertrain systems make the E-ferry a safe and reliable vessel.

The E-ferry has been designed with unique integrated battery and transmission systems that offer unparalleled operating efficiency.

In its fast-growing eTransport Solutions business, Leclanché is the supplier of choice for several leading maritime transport companies, accelerating the  shift towards greater hybridization and electrification of the merchant fleet in compliance with new regulations on port approaches and anchorage.

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