Electric inequality: Electricity is touted as the cleanest way of powering a vessel but not all electricity is equal

摘要

The first fully electric ferry will enter service in Norway's Sognefjord later this year, in a cooperative effort between Siemens and the Norwegian shipyard Fjellstrand. Ampere has a capacity of 360 passengers and 120 cars, and produces no direct emissions as power is sourced from the shore-based grid. Ships powered by shore-based electricity can offer significant benefits in terms of improved energy efficiency and reduced emissions. The benefits arise from eliminating combustion engines: the most efficient marine engines today are not more than 50% efficient, whereas a battery may have a charge/discharge efficiency of 95% or more.