DNV GL and Robert Allan seek to bring the world’s first battery hybrid pushboat to the Amazon region
Houston/Vancouver, XX July 2020: Furthering the mission to deliver more sustainable vessel operations to the Amazon region, Robert Allan Ltd., the Vancouver based Naval Architect, and DNV GL, the world's leading classification society collaborate on a new battery hybrid pushboat design.
The uptake of battery power in the maritime industry gains moment as the industry’s understanding increases about the technology and its ability to enhance the operating profiles of vessels across different ship segments while reducing emissions, fuel consumption, and maintenance.
Robert Allan Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, and DNV GL, the world's leading classification society, are collaborating with Hidrovias do Brasil SA on an innovative project to develop the world’s first battery powered Pushboat by late 2021. The vessel, RApide 2000-E (Sirius Project), is designed for maneuvering barges transporting grain and ore in the Amazon River system. Hidrovias do Brasil SA, is confident that this battery hybrid pushboat will operate in Miritituba and Vila do Conde, assisting their commitment to environmental sustainability.
“We are delighted to partner once again with DNV GL for the AiP of RApide 2000-E, and it is an honor to receive the AIP for this design,” said XXX, XX at Robert Allan Ltd. “The Sirius Project is the latest in a long series of excellent collaborations between our organization in the area of energy efficiency, which has always been a focus of the design efforts for Robert Allan. With the worldwide demand for lower fuel consumption and lower emissions, we only anticipate seeing more focus on energy efficiency in the years to come.”
“DNV GL is proud to be a part of the Sirius Project, one which will undoubtedly further the maritime industry in its transition to a low carbon future,” said Antony DSouza, Executive Vice President and Regional Manager, DNV GL Maritime Americas. “It has been immensely rewarding to witness the successful collaboration of the team during this initial phase, amidst the global pandemic. The creativity and determination seen thus far demonstrate the great potential for the future of the project.”
The preliminary design of RApide 2000-E utilized the shallow draft of the RApide 2000 Z2 pushboat, which currently operates on the Amazon River system. The design was modified to incorporate up to 2000 kWh batteries and 2 x 430 kW diesel driven propulsion gensets, driving 2 x azimuth L-drives with 375 kW motors. The batteries are capable of being charged from the generator or from shore power. For continuous operation on a river system, the design accommodates a crew of 10, with master and chief engineer having single cabins and double cabins for the balance of the crew.
RApide 2000-E is designed to comply with DNV GL rules for Inland Navigation with the following notations: ✠1A Z IN(0.6) PUSHER BATTERY POWER AMAZON and has been awarded “Approval in Principle” review.
Particulars
Length = 20.4 m
Breadth = 10.0 m
Depth = 3.2 m
Navigational Draft = 2.5 m
Speed = 8.5 knots
Tonnage = under 500 GT
Accommodations for ten persons
Tanks
Fuel = 44 m³
Fresh Water = 10.6 m³