The charging station eliminates cable connections.
Wärtsilä Corporation, 25 January 2016 at 10 am EET – An agreement has been signed between Wärtsilä and Cavotec to jointly develop the world’s first combined induction charging and automatic mooring concept.
Wärtsilä has developed a wireless charging system based on inductive power transfer. Cavotec provides automated mooring systems for various types of vessels, as well as shore power and reel systems. By combining the strengths and expertise of the two companies, an integrated wireless charging/mooring concept is to be developed for use in Wärtsilä’s ship designs.
Wireless charging eliminates the cable connection between the vessel and shore, thereby securing and facilitating safe connections and disconnections. It also reduces maintenance since wear and tear to physical connection lines is eliminated. Similarly, damage to electrical outlets caused by seawater, snow and ice is also avoided. The new project’s integrated system will be capable of transferring more than 1 MW of electrical energy. This is some 300 times more than that of current chargers used by electric cars.
Vacuum pads connect the charging station to the vessel.
Cavotec’s mooring system is a vacuum-based automated mooring technology that eliminates the need for conventional mooring lines. Remote controlled vacuum pads recessed into, or mounted on the quayside, moor and release vessels in seconds.
“During recent years, wireless charging has been introduced for cars, busses and trains. Wärtsilä has now made this possible also for marine vessels. This agreement with Cavotec will enable this technology to be delivered as an integrated charging and mooring system, ” says Peter Rogers, Director Power Products, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
A pier mounted charging station provides safe and secure connections
“This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be partnering with Wärtsilä to make shipping cleaner, safer, and easier. The envisioned integrated wireless charging and mooring system will further the marine industry’s environmental profile, ” says Ottonel Popesco, CEO of Cavotec Group.
The environmental challenge has been the starting point for Wärtsilä’s work in developing battery/hybrid technology for marine vessels. By making wireless charging of ship batteries possible, the electrification of coastal shipping is enhanced, resulting in major reductions in harmful exhaust emissions. Wärtsilä has already launched an innovative ferry concept featuring wireless induction battery charging.
Link to related information on wartsila.com
Press release: Zero emissions featured with new Wärtsilä ferry concept
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers.
In 2014, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.8 billion with approximately 17, 700 employees. The company has operations in more than 200 locations in nearly 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.
Cavotec in brief:
Cavotec is a world leading expert in engineering and supply of systems to connect, electrify and automate ships, planes and mobile equipment. Working closely with our customers and industry bodies, we look to develop long-term relationships that drive projects forward and help improve safety, efficiency and sustainability at a vast diversity of applications worldwide.
All design and manufacture of Cavotec systems takes place at our eight Centres of Excellence. Our sales companies in 35 countries around the globe, provide customers with local support backed by a global network of engineering expertise. Cavotec is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, Sweden.
