Our Boats
East by West Ferry
MAX CAPACITY
ROUTE DISTANCE
METRES LONG
KNOTS OF SPEED
Low-weight carbon composite construction
Vacuum-infused carbon fibre construction was selected to meet performance criteria, anticipated energy consumption and ensure longevity. The hull bottoms were moulded; with the topsides and deck constructed using an innovative modular carbon fibre panel system for manufacturing efficiencies.
Energy efficient hull design​
Slender hulls, based on a canoe stern form, were designed to achieve minimum resistance, which in turn requires less energy (battery power) to move the vessel through the water. Each hull accommodates one of two independent battery stacks and propulsion motors.
Charging Infrastructure
The charging rate was a significant consideration in the boat’s design, impacting areas such as hull size, battery specification, weight and displacement. Local electricity network capacity, access, viewshafts and aesthetics were equally important, as the charger is located in a highly pedestrianised heritage area with restaurants and waterfront walkways.
The ferry has been designed and built to complete one return run of 25km before charging at the dockside at a rate of 1MW for 15 minutes. For the first year of operation, it will be charged from a 300kW charger at its overnight berth.
Intelligent battery management system
The electric propulsion and power management system was custom developed and designed to suit the route and charging infrastructure, and is the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
The advanced battery management system provides constant system supervision, providing safety functions as well as real-time system capacity and health data. The VCAM virtual camera system provides the skipper with dynamic visual performance data – allowing them to make the best decisions in how to operate the vessel.