The all-electric ferry Ecocat Tres sets sail in Barcelona

Specifically, these batteries have a total energy content of 216 kWh. They are part of the propulsion and power system, which is supplied by the company  Azimut Marine. It also features twin electric ARIES 50 kW inboard drives from Molobat, fast chargers, and integrated solar panels. According to the press release, the panels ‘provide up to 40% of the catamaran’s total energy usage.’

The above-mentioned electric motors enable a top speed of 12 knots, which is about 22 kph. The ferry’s operational speed is 5 knots, at which it ‘can run for up to 21 hours on a single charge’, according to Molabo.

“Integrating our ARIES i50 motors into Barcelona’s nautical bus fleet underscores our commitment to making maritime transport quieter, cleaner, and more reliable,” said Adrian Patzak, COO at Molabo GmbH. “Our low-voltage propulsion solutions provide plenty of power for this large, heavy passenger vessel and are also easy and safe to maintain and repair. By eliminating the hassles of high-voltage electric drive systems, the Ecocat Tres has set a new benchmark for practical, economical, and sustainable urban mobility.” 

The aluminium catamaran measures 15 metres in length and offers room for up to 84 passengers. It runs at least 12 hours per day.

The Ecocat Tres is part of Bus Nàutic, a zero-emission boat service connecting Drassanes and Llevant wharves in Barcelona. The trip takes around ten minutes, with the boat leaving every 15 to 30 minutes. Molabo states that the service ‘completed more than 125,000 clean, quiet, and sustainable trips’ in its first three months of operation.

“The arrival of the new electric water taxi marks a meaningful step forward in our commitment to sustainability,” said Port of Barcelona president Mr. José Antonio Carbonell. “This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonization of our operations.”

Source: Information per e-mail