Under Construction at Hyundai’s South Korean MiPo Shipyard
These two hybrid-powered vessels, classified by the Lloyd Register, will connect New Zealand’s two main ports, Wellington and Picton. Being 220 m long, when commissioned in 2025, they will certainly be the largest hybrid-powered ships in the world!
Capacity and Speed
- Double capacity in terms of passengers and road freight
- Triple capacity in terms of rail freight
- Speed: 20 knots instead of 19.5
NG3's Role and Technology
For this project, NG3 will renew the PLUG 11,000 Volt / 700 Ampere solution already used on the Norwegian RoPax Color Hybrid, boat of the year 2019, and also the largest hybrid-powered vessel in the world at its launch. It was the first RoPax making zero-emission calls, switching to batteries and stopping its Diesel as soon as it enters the Sandefjord Fjord. PLUG provides shore power not only to cover the hotel loads but also to recharge the batteries in less than an hour.
PLUG's Implementation
In the same approach, PLUG will therefore not only supply the hotel load but also charge the batteries of these two vessels, whether in Wellington or Picton, in interface with Siemens, architect of the electrical system of these ships. Located at Deck 5, in a room located under one of the access ramps to the upper deck, PLUG will have no impact on the vessel’s market capacity.
Challenges and Considerations
Unlike the previous Norwegian projects, there are few concerns about temperatures, ice, and snow, but the quayside PLUG interface part will have to be designed with regard to seismic risks while on the ship side, special attention will be required to take into account the particularly difficult sea conditions in Cook Strait. Another topic is that the control system will be built according to New Zealand standards.
NG3's Market Position
With this new contract, NG3 is further strengthening its position as the world leader for the shore connection of large Hybrid propulsion RoPax Vessels. Following Color Hybrid, PLUG has equipped the 4 hybrid RoPax vessels currently entering service for the Norwegian shipowner Havila along the west coast of Norway.
For more info please contact: d.feger.ng3@gmail.com