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World's first Electric Crew Transfer Vessel to be Built in UK with Volvo Penta IPS

By: Chloe Emanuel 02/05/2024 Tidal Transit

General Logistics Vessels Windfarms

In a significant leap towards sustainability in the maritime industry, the UK is set to witness the creation of the world's first retrofitted Electric Crew Transfer Vessel (E-CTV), replacing traditional diesel engines with a zero-emissions solution from Volvo Penta. This groundbreaking project, awarded UK government funding as part of an industry-led push towards net-zero emissions, underscores the country's commitment to cleaner maritime solutions.

Volvo Penta, a leading provider of power solutions for the marine industry, will supply its advanced Inboard Performance System (IPS) for this pioneering vessel. The retrofit will involve replacing the vessel's existing combustion engines with a fully electric propulsion system, eliminating emissions entirely. This move aligns with Volvo Penta's broader efforts to support sustainable boating practices and follows recent collaborations with industry players like Northern Offshore Services and Sanlorenzo Yachts.

Mehmet Belibagli, Sales Manager, Marine Commercial at Volvo Penta UK, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting its innovative features. "We are delighted to be involved with such a landmark project, which will feature our first ever Volvo Penta IPS powered 100% by batteries and with no on-board diesel generators," he stated. "It's an ultra-efficient set-up that will deliver longer-range and emissions-free transfers, ensuring safer, faster, and more reliable journeys."

The vessel, developed for sea transport and crew transit service operator Tidal Transit, will undergo retrofitting on the Ginny Louise, a 20-metre diesel-powered Mercurio vessel. The retrofit, estimated at £8 million (€9.4 million), receives significant funding from the Zero Emissions Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) program, part of the UK Government's efforts to promote clean maritime solutions.

Jan-Willem Vissers, Director, Marine Commercial at Volvo Penta, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainable power solutions. "Our vision is to become world leaders in sustainable power solutions, and being selected for this ground-breaking project shows the important steps we are making towards our goal," he remarked.
In addition to reducing carbon footprint, the retrofit offers benefits such as lower noise pollution, elimination of fuel spillage risks, and reduced maintenance requirements. With new charging infrastructure to be installed, including onshore charging stations and offshore wind turbine-based chargers, the E-CTV's range and operational efficiency will be greatly enhanced.

Leo Hambro, Commercial Director at Tidal Transit, hailed the transition to electric crew transfer vessels as a significant milestone in fostering a more sustainable offshore wind industry. "Electrification projects like the e-Ginny retrofit offer great benefits from a national to international scale," he noted. "We're thrilled to be working with the team at Volvo Penta for their expertise in electric propulsion systems, and together with our other project partners, we're looking forward to continuing our mission to drive the offshore transport industry into a new zero-carbon era."

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World's first Electric Crew Transfer Vessel to be Built in UK with Volvo Penta IPS

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