Fire fighting vessel “Dresden” for Flotte Hamburg

DNV-certified modules from EST-Floattech with 315 kWh of battery capacity

New Hamburg Fire Fighting Vessels Dresden and Prag impress with their environmentally friendly diesel-electric hybrid propulsion and battery systems from EST-Floattech.

The battery system for the two ships, which are 35.50 m (l) x 7.80 m (w) and have a maximum speed of 12 knots, was supplied by Dutch energy technology company EST-Floattech, which has ten years of experience in developing and installing lithium batteries on ships. The Green Orca 1050 modules, certified by the classification society DNV, each have a total battery capacity of 315 kWh. The plug-in hybrid allows up to four hours of fully electric and therefore emission-free travel through the port at an average speed.

An important aspect in selecting the battery systems was the safety of using the lithium-ion batteries. “We apply high-quality pouch battery cells that ensure high-energy density, good heat dissipation and high-energy efficiency,” explains Marc Mühlenbeck, Sales Account Manager at EST-Floattech “In addition, two independent battery management systems monitor and control safe charging and discharging. Other safety features include a fireproof housing and a venting system in the event of a thermal runaway.”

No blackouts, no noise, compact battery design, high safety standard

This system has proven itself in practice: “Due to the user-friendly implementation of the on-board power management and the smooth integration of the batteries as a reliable backbone of the on-board energy supply, the hybrid drive has enjoyed full acceptance among the crews since the first day of operation, contrary to initial reservations,” says Sacher. “In particular, the almost noiseless propulsion system when sailing electrically and the fact that a classic blackout of the ship is virtually impossible, from the basis for this popularity. In the project phase, the compact structure of the batteries as an encapsulated system and the high safety standard in terms of design and monitoring by the integrated Battery Management System (BMS) were decisive.”