Challenge

In June 2021, Fleet (Maritime Services and Coast) launched its first all-electric ferry 'Raveel meets Ensor.'

The 'Raveel meets Ensor' has an autonomy of about three hours of sailing at cruise speed. This means that for three hours the boat can run solely on batteries. That is not enough to cover a full day.

Therefore, the ferry recharges every three to four sailings as passengers board and disembark at the East Bank. The loading tower (pantograph) is located on a floating pontoon on the Oosteroever of Ostend.

Interim loading is not possible with certain water swell or bad weather conditions (strong wind), the diesel generator is switched on in this case.

Together with PIO, Vloot is looking for an innovative solution to ensure loading of the ferry in all conditions (cf. water swell and strong wind).