Marine battery maker AYK Energy wins contract for Spain-to-Morocco electric ferries

Andorra-headquartered marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has won a contract to power electric fast ferries between Europe and Africa.

Spanish ferry operator Baleària will operate the two electric catamaran ferries on the 18-mile route between Tarifa in the south of Spain and Tangier, Morocco, at speeds of up to 26 knots.

Each of the twin fast ferries, which are being built by the Armon shipyard in Gijón, will have a capacity of 225 vehicles and 804 passengers.

Each ferry will have 13.8 MWh of electric power produced by four electric propulsion units. An innovative system of autonomous robotic arms installed in Tangier and Tarifa will connect to onshore power supplies and enable the batteries to be recharged in just 40 minutes.

“AYK is one of few manufacturers to produce batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP), using a process that delivers capability, safety and a reliable long lifespan compared to the more volatile nickel manganese cobalt batteries,” said AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger. “Our safe and cost-effective solutions will enable Baleària’s ferries to operate with zero emissions and help meet one of the priorities of the Spanish government, namely the decarbonization of transport.”

“AYK’s advanced battery solutions will enable us for the first time to run an entire route using only electric energy,” said Pablo Garcia, Baleària’s New Projects Director. “Each journey will be completely decarbonized, which will not only avoid emissions but also eliminate noise and vibrations.”

Source: AYK Energy