Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Commercial Vessels
Are you looking for a more environmentally friendly propulsion solution for your tug, fishing vessel or passenger ferry? We have the answer. Improve efficiency and reduce your environmental impact with our marine electric and hybrid propulsion solutions from Bellmarine, Twin Disc and Veth Propulsion.
We have a range of electric inboards, hybrid drive systems, and hybrid-ready gearboxes suitable for new vessels or as a retrofit package. Each system is tailored to meet your vessel’s bespoke needs, taking into consideration performance requirements, vessel data, performance, and long-term maintenance and control.
Future Marine Propulsion Configurations: Fully Electric, Series Hybrid, and Parallel Hybrid
Fully Electric
Eliminate the main diesel engine, and
cut fuel costs and emissions, with an fully electric system. The vessel is driven by an electric motor which is powered by batteries only and coupled to prop-shaft or drive unit.
Series Hybrid
The traditional diesel engine is replaced by an electric motor, which draws power from an onboard genset or from batteries in combination with the genset, for extended range.
Parallel Hybrid
Pair the diesel engine with an electric motor. This configuration takes advantage of both, allowing for diesel-only, electric-only, peak shaving, and power boost operation.
Who can we assist?
Cruise and Ferry
Inland cruise and ferry operators can future-proof their business with electric and hybrid solutions from Bellmarine, Twin Disc, and Veth Propulsion. Our offerings range from 20kW to 130kW for electric propulsion and up to 2000kW for hybrid systems.
Commercial Workboats
Commercial workboat operators can take advantage of our industry-leading parallel-hybrid solutions operating up to 2000kW, allowing users to operate under both diesel and fully electric power. Alternatively, we offer a range of fully electric boat propulsion or hybrid rudder propellers operating at power ranges up to 3MW
Aquaculture and Fishing
Operators of aquaculture and fishing vessels can benefit from our inboard electric motors, ranging from 2kW to 130kW, for cost-effective operations and reduced emissions in pristine environments. Additionally, our series and parallel hybrid solutions are ideal for long duty cycles.
Day Boats
Dayboat operators can reduce their operating costs, increase profit and provide customers with a quiet and comfortable boating experience. We have a range of inboard and outboard motors with power ranging from 2kW to 130kW while allowing for slow and precise manoeuvring.
Benefits
Environment
Zero-emission, sustainable operation, no smell and no noise!
Performance
Zero to maximum torque instantly, no waiting for engine revs to settle.
Systems from 48V to 384V, 2kW to 130kW
Cost Saving
Lower operational costs – minimal maintenance and fuel savings.
Case study: Catamaran Ferry Hybrid Conversion
Conversion of a catamaran ferry from traditional diesel to an electric/battery drive propulsion system, using the Twin Disc MGE series gearbox.
Gearbox Specifications
- Model: Twin Disc MGE-5126 SC
- Gear Ratio: 3,00:1
Product range
FAQs
Government regulations that demand the conversion to sustainable propulsion, which are already in place in many parts of the world, are fast approaching and therefore it is important to be ahead of the game. Electric will become the future.
Electric motors and electric marine engines can offer quiet, smooth, accurate manoeuvring and achieve zero to max torque instantly whilst enabling a safer method of operation whilst significantly reducing your carbon footprint and operational costs.
Furthermore, once installed a typical electric propulsion system will require minimal maintenance, unlike their combustion cylinder counterparts. Also, electric propulsion systems inherently have much fewer moving parts and so repairs are much easier to carry out which should occur at a less frequent rate.
It is not only new builds that can have electric propulsion installed onboard. Retrofitting an electric system is possible on any vessel including ones that have existing diesel systems.
The conversion to electric will save space and sometimes weight, it will allow a much cleaner area in the engine compartment and give your vessel a new lease of life! You can also choose to keep your diesel engine and convert it to a parallel hybrid system giving you the benefit of diesel power when needed alongside quiet emission-free electric power.
Electric and hybrid conversions are becoming increasingly popular and MIT can provide support during the entire project from design through to installation and after-sales support.
Cost can only be calculated on a project by project basis. However, to assist with funding your green propulsion, we work with several future technology investors to fund individual and fleet projects. Talk to us about available funding options.
The most important difference is that hybrid propulsion will still include the use of either a diesel engine or diesel generator – the latter being more efficient and quieter.
A hybrid system will deliver the best aspects of both technologies with increased speed and range available from diesel component and emission-free, quiet, instant torque from the electric motors.
An electric propulsion system comprises of only motors, batteries, chargers etc, and uses electricity as the sole form of energy.
Parallel hybrid: Propulsion is gained through mechanical power from both electric motors and combustion engine simultaneously or separately. Both the motors and the combustion engine are directly coupled to the drivetrain.
Series Hybrid: Propulsion is gained through mechanical power from electric motors that are either powered from batteries or a diesel generator. Only the motors are coupled to the drivetrain.
Both electric and hybrid systems will include the propulsion system together including brushless permanent magnet motor and controller, with the throttle lever, display, batteries, charger and any necessary controls/wiring.
