Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo will be the largest hybrid-vessel ever built
Brittany Ferries Saint-Malo will be the world’s largest hybrid ship, when she joins their fleet in less than three years. Her batteries will boast a capacity of 11.5 MWh, approximately double that typically used for hybrid propulsion in marine vessels.
To improve efficiency further, she will integrate multiple systems allowing real-time, energy optimisation while sailing. Optimised energy efficiency, hybrid power and shore-side plug-in has the potential to yield an improvement of up to 15 per cent on greenhouse gas emissions compared with diesel propulsion – according to engine and battery supplier Wärtsilä
In total, StenaRoRo are constructing three hybrid ships, supplied with Wärtsilä hybrid technology. Two were specified by Brittany Ferries, with recently named Saint-Malo (destined for the St Malo – Portsmouth route) scheduled for delivery in 2024. Shortly thereafter, an as-yet-unnamed hybrid will join the fleet, running the company’s most popular Caen-Portsmouth route.
The hybrids will replace Bretagne and Normandie respectively, two of the longest serving vessels in the family.
“Brittany Ferries is proud to be taking a lead in sustainable shipping, working with our partners to bring cleaner vessels to the regions in which we operate,” said Christophe Mathieu Brittany Ferries CEO. “Hybrid technology continues to move our fleet renewal programme forward and will follow the introduction of two LNG-powered ships. From day one of operation, ports like St Malo in France and Portsmouth in the UK will benefit. Shore-side power capability means further benefits will be realised, as investment by ports in plug-in infrastructure allows.”
Mike Sellers, port director at Portsmouth International Port added: “The port are proud to have worked with Brittany Ferries for nearly 50 years. They are our partner as well as our customer, and we value working alongside them as we both strive towards a greener tomorrow”.
“We know we need to take bold action if we’re to meet our goal to be the UK’s first zero emission port by 2050, and reach net-zero by 2030. Investments such as these, alongside our own sustainability initiatives, really highlight that we are making this journey together. By working together with our largest customer, we can unlock green shipping corridors between Portsmouth, France and Spain.
“Collaboration is key to upgrading the port’s electricity supply so that clean energy can be provided to all vessels when they are alongside, and we look forward to working with partners and the government to help us achieve our shore power ambitions.”