Molabo has equipped the Port of Barcelona’s all-electric commuter ferry, the Ecocat Tres, with its Aries i50 electric motors.
Electric propulsion for continuous operation
The propulsion and power system, supplied by Azimut Marine, features twin electric Aries 50kW inboard drives, 36 batteries (216kWh total capacity), fast chargers and integrated solar panels, which provide up to 40% of the catamaran’s total energy usage.
The electric propulsion system, powered by two Aries i50 Molabo motors, enables a top speed of 12 knots. At its operational speed of 5 knots, the Ecocat Tres can run for up to 21 hours on a single charge, ensuring an efficient and reliable service for passengers.
According to Molabo, its 48V Aries i50 motors provide a safer, quieter and highly efficient alternative to traditional high-voltage systems. They have been designed to reduce onboard noise and vibrations for an improved passenger experience.
“Integrating our Aries i50 motors into Barcelona’s nautical bus fleet underscores our commitment to making maritime transportation quieter, cleaner and more reliable,” said Adrian Patzak, chief operating officer at Molabo. “Our low-voltage propulsion solutions provide plenty of power for this large, heavy passenger vessel and are also easy and safe to maintain and repair. By eliminating the hassles of high-voltage electric drive systems, the Ecocat Tres has set a new benchmark for practical, economical and sustainable urban mobility.”
Ecocat Tres and urban water transportation
Built by Metaltec Naval, the 15m aluminum catamaran transports 84 people and features a rooftop deck for additional seating. The vessel operates at least 12 hours per day, running every 15 to 30 minutes on a 10-minute journey between stops.
This vessel is part of Bus Nàutic, a zero-emission boat service connecting the Drassanes and Llevant wharves in Barcelona. In its first three months of operation, the Bus Nàutic service had already completed more than 125,000 trips. The initiative, backed by Port de Barcelona and operated by Alsa, provides an eco-friendly alternative to land transportation, reducing congestion and aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.
Commitment to a greener future
With its zero-emission operation, the Ecocat Tres is expected to save 90 tons of CO2 annually, contributing to Barcelona’s environmental goals.
José Antonio Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona, underlined, “The arrival of the new electric water taxi marks a meaningful step forward in our commitment to sustainability. This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonization of our operations.”
In related news, the Port of Barcelona recently opened its first onshore power supply (OPS) for ferries at Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona, on Sant Bertran wharf. This OPS supplies 100% renewable electricity daily to the ferries connecting Barcelona with the Balearic Islands, enabling them to turn off their engines and preventing the emissions and noise they generate while at port. Click here to read the full story.