MG Energy Systems is proud to be part of the next step in sustainable shipping. A major step toward clean and efficient ferry operations has just been completed. The Willem de Vlamingh, already known for its innovative design, has now undergone a major upgrade and is now a fully hybrid LNG ferry.
The vessel is now equipped with a 750V redundant DC system that powers six bow thrusters in total. Including the two new Veth bow thrusters, each rated at 200 kW. At the heart of this powertrain are two A60 battery rooms containing 36 MG RS 230 LFP batteries each totalling at 425 kWh per room. This gives the system a 850 kWh total capacity not only powering the bow thrusters but also supports the entire onboard 400V electrical system via UGrid converters. Peak power capability of the complete battery system is over 1 MW.
This installation enables the Willem de Vlamingh to operate emission free for extended periods of time. By using stored battery energy significantly reduces fuel consumption, allowing the vessel to operate fully electric in port and passenger load/unload operations. The batteries can be recharged either by a shore connection during the night or via the 300 kW variable speed PM generator directly connected to the LNG main engines.
Thanks to this upgrade, the Willem de Vlamingh now combines the best of LNG propulsion with the latest in lithium-ion storage from MG Energy Systems. Further solidifying its place as one of the most advanced hybrid marine ferries in operation today.
MG RS 230 Battery. The Perfect Choice
Our MG RS 230 battery has proven to be a reliable and efficient solution for this application.
Key features:
- Redundant and scalable for maximum reliability
- Water-cooled for optimal thermal performance
- Compact and powerful, with a high density and long cycle life
- Integrated BMS
- Cell Level Propagation Protection System
A Collaborative Effort
The Willem de Vlamingh’s renovation was a collaborative effort that brought together some industry’s experts. The extensive upgrade was led by Rederij Doeksen in collaboration with Werft Shipbuilding, Piet Brouwer Elektrotechniek and MG Energy Systems. All systems were approved by Lloyd’s Register, ensuring the highest standards in safety and compliance. The result is a ferry that’s not only environmentally friendly but also highly efficient and reliable.
Willem de Vlamingh hybrid setup:
Electrical system supporting this vessel:
- Two battery banks of 36 MG RS 230 batteries configured in strings of 12 in series.
- Six Masters HV, one for each string.
- Two SmartLink PLC cabinets, to control and monitor the parallel redundant operation.
- MG Energy Systems supplied racking.
This ferry is truly an example of what can be achieved when industry experts come together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. At MG Energy Systems, we’re proud to have played a part in this groundbreaking project, proving once again the power and versatility of our lithium-ion technology for the marine industry. We look forward to supporting more projects like this in the future.
Links:
https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/willemdevlaminghhybride
