Marine battery maker AYK Energy wins contract for world’s first electric intercontinental fast ferries

Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has won a groundbreaking contract to power the world’s first fully electric intercontinental fast ferries between Europe and Africa.

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

“AYK is honored to be selected by Baleària as the provider of this advanced battery solution,” said AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger. “And we’re grateful to be supported on the deal by AYK’s Spanish agent Vulkan Española led by Jose Ignacio Cuenca and his team.”

“Our high quality, 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 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.

“The transition to electric and hybrid vessels is accelerating rapidly, and this exciting program with Baleària is an important step in underscoring our ability to address customer requirements for environmentally progressive transport.”

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

Pablo Garcia, Baleària’s New Projects Director, said: “AYK’s advanced battery solutions will enable us for the first time to run an entire route using only electric energy and become a shining example of international transport sustainability.

“This project is pioneering, innovative, and technologically advanced. Each journey will be completely decarbonized, which will not only avoid emissions but also eliminate noise and vibrations.”

Each ferry will have 13.8MWh of electric power produced by four electric propulsion units fueled by the batteries. 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.