EV Maritime launches fully electric ferry in New Zealand

New Zealand-based marine engineering company EV Maritime has launched a fully electric passenger ferry for Auckland Transport.

IMAGE: EV Maritime’s fully electric ferry. EV Maritime

Although the immediate impact that this small-scale electric vessel will have on global greenhouse gas emissions might be limited, the vessel holds significance as it provides crucial technical and operational insights that can inform the development of larger-scale electric vessels in the future.

Designed by EV Maritime and built by Kiwi shipbuilder McMullen & Wing, the fully electric ferry can carry up to 200 passengers and reach speeds of 25 knots.

It’s the first of two battery-powered ferries set to run between downtown Auckland and Half Moon Bay. Each one-way trip requires just 10 minutes of charging.

The ferry is currently undergoing technical testing and could enter service by the end of the year.

About two-thirds of the vessel's cost has been funded by the New Zealand government, with the remainder covered by government agencies NZTA Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council.

By Tuhin Roy

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