Page 21: of Marine News Magazine (January 2025)

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Feature

Propulsion he ocean sector ? nds itself in a critical moment, brid design that incorporates advanced energy storage and especially as the demand to decarbonize grows. recharging capabilities, Siemens Energy played a pivotal role

Though long-haul is still the biggest emitter in in helping TxDOT achieve its goals of improving fuel ef-

T the maritime industry, the need to decarbonize ? ciency and reducing the environmental impacts of the next smaller commercial and coastal vessels, including cruise generation of ferry vessels. “The ferry recharges at night and ships, passenger ferries, platform supply vessels (PSVs), stores energy during operation, so it has a lower carbon foot- offshore service vessels (OSVs), and research ships, is on print.” The outcome was a high-tech ship pointing towards the rise. Particularly, passenger ferries are pushing into un- the future of passenger ferries and showing how seamless charted waters, increasingly being scrutinized by munici- technology integration can lead to safer, more ef? cient, and pal, state, and federal regulators for their environmental environmentally friendly maritime transportation.

impact. Siemens Energy, a global pioneer of electri? cation The company’s BlueDrive PlusC system, for example, and propulsion technologies, is now a signi? cant force illustrates Siemens Energy’s technical sophistication. This helping ferry operators tackle these issues head-on. DC power and propulsion system is more fuel ef? cient,

Combining the strengths of Siemens Energy as a systems has fewer emissions, and is more redundant as it allows integrator and a portfolio of innovative technologies will vessels to operate with variable speed generators. It easily change how passenger ferries work. MarineNews recently interoperates with Siemens Energy’s BlueVault battery en- sat down with Ed Schwarz, the head of the New Marine ergy storage solution, leveraging proven lithium-ion bat-

Unit Sales for the U.S. and Canada at Siemens Energy. teries to deliver secure, safe, and long-lasting energy stor-

Schwarz holds a BS in Marine Engineering and Shipyard age. “Green ferry infrastructure is the lifeblood of a lot of

Management from the United States Merchant Marine these things,” Schwarz said. “By having BlueVault, opera-

Academy. His diverse background includes time spent as tors can cut engine run time emissions and ensure stable a shipboard Marine Engineer and has since seen him tran- power supply, even when the demand is high. We’re trying sition into leadership roles. In his most recent role as the to build a system that’s both ef? cient and sustainable. Op-

Vice President of Sales at ABB Marine Systems’ North and erators can extend battery life with the modular system,

South America sales division, Ed was recognized for his sig- preparing their boats for technological changes.” ni? cant technical contributions to the marine industry.

This month, our conversation turned to the demand for Hybrids: From Zero-Emission Ferries to Zero- decarbonization in the passenger ferries sector, and where Emission Pods

Siemens Energy is working to help operators integrate new All-electric ferries are the ultimate emissions reduction technology for a greener future. goal, but Schwarz also pointed out that hybrid systems are sometimes the best bet for today’s operator. “We’re seeing

System Integration with Vision hybrid electric boats with storage because they’re an ef? - “Siemens Energy thinks of vessel electri? cation as a total cient, cost-effective route to decarbonization. Combining system propulsion approach,” said Schwarz, adding quickly, the battery with a conventional diesel engine can make these “We collaborate with ship owners and naval architects to help systems ef? cient, save fuel, and reduce emissions by up to design full electric, hybrid, or diesel-electric systems for their 95% during certain times of operation, including docking speci? c requirements.” From power generation to energy and idling.” Siemens Energy even adds hydrogen fuel cells storage to fuel alternatives, Siemens Energy unites a range of to its hybrid systems for operators looking for zero-emis- technologies into interconnected solutions to produce high sion solutions. Schwarz emphasized the power of these fuel ef? ciency, lower emissions, and long-term reliability. A Texas cells in tandem with batteries for marine vessels operating

Department of Transportation (TxDOT) ferry project is an in areas without suf? cient charging infrastructure.

excellent example, and Siemens Energy is on board. The maritime industry wants zero emissions, but hy-

Schwarz talked about how early involvement helped brid systems are the most achievable, rapid route for many

Siemens Energy create a hybrid design that would be safe, operators. “The most popular systems are hybrid electric reduce emissions, and meet the budget. By creating a hy- systems with storage because they are the lowest-cost so- www.marinelink.com MN 21|