More local ferry operator news

[whole diary]

[GBM]

Whilst we on a Norwegian cruise last year, our guide pointed out an all electric (Norwegian) car and passenger ferry.
https://electrek.co/2019/08/21/worlds-largest-electric-ferry/
Whilst fjord crossings are of limited distance, they could be used here in the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) for many crossing routes

[Bmblbzzz]

Good. A lot about the size of the ferries, though it would be good to know the maximum range they can cope with. Would the range be suitable for a short Channel crossing, for instance?

[broadgage]

Yes I believe that electric ferries would be suitable for the shorter channel crossings.
When ships are considered, bigger is better, within reason. A larger ship uses less fuel per ton than a smaller one.
A cross channel ferry could charge, briefly at each end of the route, both the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) and nearer parts of Europe have well developed grid systems that can supply the charging load of many megawatts.

Some routes to small islands may only allow charging at the mainland end, due to limited electrical infrastructure on some islands.

[froome]

Yes I believe that electric ferries would be suitable for the shorter channel crossings.
When ships are considered, bigger is better, within reason. A larger ship uses less fuel per ton than a smaller one.
A cross channel ferry could charge, briefly at each end of the route, both the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) and nearer parts of Europe have well developed grid systems that can supply the charging load of many megawatts.

Some routes to small islands may only allow charging at the mainland end, due to limited electrical infrastructure on some islands.

Yes, this is obviously true, but there will be many other impacts. Perhaps most importantly will be noise pollution that affects many maritime creatures ability to navigate.

[broadgage]

I agree, but electric ferries should produce a lot less noise than diesel powered ships.

[Trowres]

The idea of overhead electrification for a ferry sounds...well...implausible...BUT:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_boat#Wired_electric_boats

and a brief video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JjIpbso29s

Applied to canals: https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/12/trolley-canal-boats.html

[Reginald25]

For very short crossings, there is a lot be said for chain ferries, since they may be hauled by relatively clean and green electric power rather than by diesel engines.
For slightly longer routes, battery power is now available.

In my view, existing diesel power powered ferries should continue in service for their economic lives, perhaps being re-deployed on other routes.

Newly built ferries should be electric, unless there is some compelling reason to do otherwise.

The two chain ferries I am familiar with, Torpoint and Cowes, as far as I know, rely on the chain dropping down behind the ferry so other vessels can pass. As a result, they are diesel powered on board (one I think with electric transmission and one with hydraulic), rather than from a motor on shore. I imagine it would be possible to use batteries or some form of battery/mains hybrid, but mains only operation seems non-viable.