First cruise tender with hybrid propulsion

Germany-based shipyard Fassmer is building the world’s first cruise tender with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system.

The PLL1099 is a combined tender and lifeboat that is able to carry up to 114 persons in tender operation. The hybrid propulsion system is composed of two diesel engines by Nanni, type T4.205 with 147 kW power output at 3600 r/min, and twin hybrid powertrains by Transfluid, type HTM700-20W.

The powertrains include Transfluid-designed gearboxes and LiFePo4 battery packs. With a total of almost 40 kWh energy stored onboard, the tender will have a continuous full electric range of 1,5 hours in operational cruising speed (around 6 knots).

The hybrid propulsion allows the following operation modes: diesel driven, for lifeboat operation and transit; diesel and electric driven, for boost mode and higher speeds; electric driven, for tender purpose, shore operation and boarding.

In the electric mode, the tender does not produce air pollution and allows a very quiet and smooth operation due to the eliminated engine noise and the reduced vibration.

There is also a fourth operation option: Regeneration mode, available in both cruising and steady conditions, where the diesel power is used to recharge batteries through the same electric machine working as a powerful generator. This makes the tender virtually independent from the plug due to its main “taxi” operation profile with limited access to shore power.

Being a lifecraft, the Fassmer tender also focuses on reliability and safety. The architecture of the hybrid module allows to have a double propulsion system for each shaft line; each powertrain also has a “Come Home” independent safety protocol that gives the entire vessel full redundancy on the entire propulsion control system.

The Transfluid hybrid systems obtained the first Type Approval given by DNV-GL to a hybrid system; it can be installed on both new and old boats, provided the necessary space is available.