RICHMOND, B.C., CANADA AND COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — May 14, 2013 — A new hybrid electric ferry using Corvus Energy’s advanced lithium polymer battery solution was commissioned today in Copenhagen, Denmark by Scandlines, one of Europe’s largest ferry companies. The Prinsesse Benedikte ferry refit represents the conversion of a former diesel electric ferry to a hybrid vessel and a major advance in green ferry transportation.
Using 2.7MWh of Corvus’ industry-proven battery modules, the retrofitted ferry will:
- provide enhanced technical reliability and efficiency
- improve maintenance costs
- consume less fuel
- deliver significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- be noise-free
- charge in 30 minutes by renewable, shore or generator power
Corvus’ modules are a cost effective alternative for hybrid ferries. They will last for more than 10 years and provide years of consistent and quality performance to meet the growing demand for more sophisticated, greener vessel systems. The lifespan of the powerful battery packs delivers a rapid return on investment by multiples and a system payback that is less than five years.
Corvus Energy’s CEO Brent Perry attended the commissioning together with Scandlines executives and staff. Perry said, “This commissioning is significant milestone for Corvus because it represents the world’s largest ever hybrid propulsion marine battery pack and an important early success in the marine version of sustainable capitalism. We are honoured to participate and look forward to using this conversion as a template to develop future customer-based solution for more ferry fleets around the world.”
Fini Hansen, Technical Superintendent, Fleet Management, Scandlines Danmark A/S added, “Scandlines is making a significant investment in new green technology that will benefit the people in the areas adjacent to the harbour and beyond in terms of reduced pollution. Corvus batteries are used primarily to minimize diesel engines running at non-optimal load. Further, this means load-leveling function in order to keep a high level of fuel efficiency and reduced number of generating sets in service.”
Prinsesse Benedikte can carry approximately 300 vehicles and 900 passengers and will operate the Rødbyhavn – Puttgarden route. The vessel now has the capacity to operate on full electric propulsion while in harbour, and the life of the diesel drivelines has now been extended by up to three times.
Corvus’ AT6500 modules allow vessel system integrators and designers an alternative source of high energy, creating the opportunity to re‐design systems to reduce system complexity and costs throughout the vessel. This commissioning represents a further commitment between Corvus and systems integrator Siemens in the pursuit of hybrid vessel projects around the world.
Note to Editors
High resolution photos available on request.
About Scandlines
Scandlines was founded in 1998 and is one of the largest ferry operators in Europe. On three short distance routes between Denmark, Germany and Sweden with high frequency and large capacity, we provide efficient and reliable transportation services to both passengers and freight customers.
The main focus of all Scandlines’ activities is creating value for our customers on board our ferries as well as in our BorderShops. In 2011, we transported 11.5 million passengers, 2.6 million cars and 640,000 trucks on our routes Puttgarden-Rødby, Rostock-Gedser and Helsingør-Helsingborg.
About Siemens
The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world’s leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines.
About Corvus Energy
Corvus Energy, based in Richmond, B.C., Canada provides industrial-sized power in a compact, modular lithium-ion battery system to commercial marine, transportation, ports machinery, remote community, off grid and grid energy markets. Its revolutionary battery packs have the capacity to output sustained power comparable to diesel engines in hybrid and full-electric vessels and vehicles. For more information, please visit www.corvus-energy.com.
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Media contact:
Maria LoScerbo
maria@epicpr.ca
604.732.6221