Revolutionizing Ferry Charging with WPT

Seamless, Efficient, and Sustainable Charging for the Future of Electric Ferry Operations

Application Background

The electrification of marine vessels has been evolving for decades to increase functionality, flexibility, and fuel efficiency. The development towards electrification is one of the most promising options currently available towards zero-emission marine transport.

In addition, the impact of increasing environmental regulations, the push for sustainability in maritime transport, and how charging solutions play a critical role.

      • Increasing environmental concerns and the shift to electric ferries
      • Challenges in dock-based charging: cables, time, and space constraints
      • The need for innovative, sustainable charging methods

Current Technical Issues

Various factors affect the hybridisation and electrification of marine vessels, including the commuting route, the number of stops, docking time, onshore and on board battery size, and charging capacity and charging system, etc.

In general, short-haul ferries operate on tight schedules with short docking times, meaning that the time available for charging is severely limited. In addition, the amount of energy supplied to the battery at each stop must be sufficient to maintain regular and continuous operation, implying the need for high-power recharging device.

Because electric ferries often have high power propulsion systems and consume a lot of energy to cruise through water, the charging difficulties are more serious compared with the land vehicles. Due to the tight time schedule, the charging requires high charging power, high-level safety, and robust mechanical integration in marine environment.

      • Cable-based charging problems: Long charging times, wear on cables, and maintenance
      • Port and docking limitations: Space and logistics constraints for large-scale cable deployment
      • Operational disruptions: Delays caused by manual charging and docking times
      • Energy efficiency: Losses in energy transmission and inefficiency
      • Poor charging conditions: heavy weather makes charging risky

Advantages of WPT Technology

A wireless charging system removes the need to plug in and is utilized for easy transfer of power from shore to ship. It replaces the traditional cable method and facilitates a safe connection and disconnection. This method offers a possibility for overcoming the challenges of high-frequency travel and short docking time between ferry crossings for short-haul boats [6]. It reduces maintenance costs as it avoids wear and tear by eliminating the physical connection of electrical components. Furthermore, the use of a wireless charging system also avoids additional difficulties faced by the plug in cable method, due to harsh winter weather conditions and the saline environments.

  • Convenience and Accessibility: No need for physical cables or docking alignment.
  • Faster Charging: Reduced charging time with high power transfer efficiency.
  • Reduced Maintenance: Fewer mechanical parts to maintain, resulting in lower long-term costs.
  • Scalability: Ability to scale the technology across multiple ferry terminals.
  • Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint due to efficient energy transfer and minimal waste.

Our WPT Solution

System Design: (1) Substation; (2) Floating dock/onshore system; (3) Coil pads; and On board system.

the single line diagram of the fast wireless charging system from the grid to the vessel.