Torqeedo has been commissioned by river cruise service provider Eichberger Schiffservice, to provide a fully integrated electric propulsion system for a demonstrator of a charter houseboat developed by Eichberger.
A fuel cell from Argo-Anleg and solar panels will also be integrated, enabling multiday, 100% emission-free travel on Germany’s inland waterways.
Energy from solar power and hydrogen combustion
The Kiebitzberg shipyard in Havelberg is responsible for building the Kingfisher demonstrator, which will be equipped with the powerful Deep Blue 50i engine and the 80kW-capacity Deep Blue Battery 80 from Torqeedo. The integrated fuel cell from Argo-Anleg enables a completely energy-self-sufficient stay on the water for several days with a daily travel time of four hours. The prototype will also be equipped with solar panels on its wide roofs, which can generate additional energy of up to 3kW per hour during longer mooring periods.
Prototype launch planned for 2024
The demonstrator charter houseboat is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, followed by an extensive test phase on the river. After its test phase, the Kingfisher will go into trial operation and lay the foundation for the series development of up to 10 units, with the aim of expanding Eichberger Schiffservice’s portfolio to include emission-free charter houseboats in the future. The Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy has financially supported the project from the outset, as part of the Bavarian Energy Research Program.
Manfred Eichberger, managing director of Eichberger Schiffservice, commented, “Thanks to Torqeedo’s many years of experience with pioneering propulsion systems, we can realize our vision of hydrogen propulsion for smaller charter boats. As hydrogen propulsion systems are still quite new on the water, we are working with our engineers and the relevant authorities to develop guidelines during the testing phase. Our goal is to ensure safe use on the water.”
“Eichberger Schiffservice has recognized that tourists are increasingly looking for more sustainable holiday options,” explained Matthias Vogel, senior vice president of customized solutions at Torqeedo. “At Torqeedo, we are delighted to deliver our electric drive systems for a pioneering project such as the Kingfisher. As a provider of comprehensive system solutions, one of Torqeedo’s core competencies is the integration of solar and hydrogen technologies into the ship’s propulsion system to achieve the desired range. Eichberger Schiffservice is setting new standards in tourism with us, and together we are showing that luxury and sustainability do not have to be a contradiction in terms.”
In related news, Yamaha Motor recently completed a stock purchase agreement with Germany’s Deutz, which owns marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo, to acquire all of Torqeedo’s shares. Click here to read the full story.