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Saft batteries power zero-emission passenger boats

A Saft Industrial Batteries product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 10, 2009

Saft has supplied the batteries to power two new zero-emission electric boats launched by Alternatives Energies.

Based in La Rochelle, France, Alternatives Energies develops and produces passenger transport boats powered by alternative energies.

The two new electric boats, named Copernic and Galilee, are intended for the urban transport system in the port of La Rochelle, where they will provide a shuttle service connecting the Old Port with the harbour of Les Minimes.

Saft batteries has already proved its products in the field of electric boats.

One set has been operating in La Rochelle since 1998.

Another has been in service in Paris since 2007 on the Seine.

The two new electric boats are in the catamaran style.

With an operating speed of six knots (or 12km/h), 100km autonomy and a maximum speed of 9.5 knots, they can sail in normal shipping conditions (current and waves).

Each boat weighs 18 tons in total to provide a maximum carrying capacity of 75 persons.

Copernic and Galilee should be able to make 15 trips a day during the summer season.

The nickel-cadmium batteries supplied by Saft are made up of three systems: two at 480V are dedicated to propulsion and one 24V service battery feeds the equipment on board.

Saft batteries achieve the best compromise between weight, power capacity, lifespan and recharge speed.

They also offer the world of urban maritime transport the advantages of an application with high environmental benefits.

Clean and entirely without pollution, electric boats reduce odour emissions dramatically and completely cut carbon dioxide emissions in ports.

They also represent real progress in terms of passenger comfort in the world of urban transport, as they greatly reduce noise and vibrations.

Alternatives Energies is currently working in collaboration with shipping organisations or ship owners on other development projects that aim to equip even more municipal authorities with electric boats.

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