UPDATE 04/05/2018: The EU-funded E-Ferry project is now on the outfitting stages after having completed the hull. The E-ferry is expected to start its demonstration period during the coming summer. Tuco remains committed to paving the way for composite materials in the ferry industry and the works determinedly to introduce the superior performance and safety of these materials in marine applications. We engage actively with class societies and authorities to modernize regulation processes and enable an increased uptake of composites in the sector. And for this the E-ferry project forms a great research and demonstration platform.
Watch the E-ferry promotional video below:

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Tuco Marine Group is part of the Green Ferry Vision innovation project of producing E-ferry – prototype – a full-scale demonstration model of the next generation of 100% electrically powered ferries for passengers and vehicles

Green Ferry Vision - The objective of the Green Ferry Vision is to design and produce an innovative light-weight ferry for cars and passengers – a ferry only powered by green electricity stored on batteries on board. This zero-emission ferry design aims for coastal routes and inland waterways and the hull shape is optimized for low energy consumption and improved speed in confined waters and at restricted depths.

Tuco’s case/role/objectives: The community in Aeroe (Ærø Kommune), Southern Denmark is working on a strategy for producing a unique type of ferry that could provide environmental inspiration on a global scale. As an active partner within the Green Ferry Vision for a low-weight ferry for cars and passengers, powered by electricity from renewable energy sources, the municipality of Aeroe and their partners have recently applied for funding through the EU Horizon 2020 program.

Ferry services in Denmark, the EU and around the world are facing challenges such as increasing energy prices, demand for energy efficiency and conversion to renewable sources to provide future answers to affordable, sustainable and emission free ferry transport.Energy efficient passenger and car ferries powered by electricity from renewable energy sources is a sustainable solution for many current ferry services that will ensure cheaper and cleaner ferry transport, significant CO2 reductions and reductions of noise. Until recently, battery technology was a barrier in terms of capacity and range.

By powering the ferries with electricity generated by renewable energy sources, the ferry service will be CO2 neutral. The energy efficient design will save approx. 50% energy compared to the existing ferry designs to be replaced by the E-ferry. 

Existing state-of-the-art ferries with 100% electric drive train systems are suffering from major limitations in range and are thus only being built and applied for very short ferry connections. The E-ferry project will build and demonstrate a ferry for medium range connections and is likely to be the ferry with the largest battery pack ever installed in a vessel.

Tuco Marine Group as a dynamic and innovative company, specializes in production of light-weight vessels, the main focus being on innovation and energy efficiency, is proud to be an active partner within the first innovation project in Denmark for energy efficient E-ferry design that will make possible for electric ferries to travel at longer distances. The Tuco Group has always shown great interested in all innovative initiatives within their field of expertise and feel glad to implement the technological know-how for light-weight vessels within the new segment for energy efficient passenger and car ferries.

As part of the responsibilities, Tuco will be providing lightweight composite structures for the superstructure of the ship, which will ensure the lowest possible weight of the vessel.

The E-ferry project has now received funding within EU Horizon 2020 program. 

The project is launched and the vessel is going to be assembled in Søby. 

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