Canadian hybrid electric research vessel a maritime first
By Design Engineering Staff
GeneralBMT Fleet Technology, University of Victoria receive $10 million for ship's development.
Ottawa — BMT Fleet Technology, of Ottawa, Ontario announced it will design and deliver North America’s first hybrid-electric research ship in collaboration with the University of Victoria. Funding in excess of $10 million has been provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the BC Knowledge Development Fund and other partners.
Formerly known as CCG Tsekoa II, the vessel will be used by the university as a research facility off the British Columbia coast to investigate changing coastal ecosystems, marine resources and continental shelf and slope dynamics.
To fulfil the university’s requirements, BMT will equip the vessel with a hybrid-electric propulsion system powered by batteries, fuel cells and low-emission diesel generators. The ship, which is currently 26.7 metres long and 7.25 metres wide at the beam, will be cut in half and a new section inserted at mid-ship, bringing the total length to 33 metres. The new section will include a science lab and additional berths to accommodate 15 crew and scientists.
The project joins BMT Group Ltd.’s other propulsion initiatives, including investigating nuclear propulsion and the commercial maritime applications for small modular reactors. This research is being carried out through a newly formed consortium which also includes Lloyd’s Register, Enterprises Shipping and Trading and Hyperion Power Generation.
www.fleetech.com
