Ultra-Efficient Transportation
The design brief for the e-Link ferry was to create an all-electric 55 passenger shuttle for semi-protected waters (seas up to ~.75m significant wave height). Our focus was on maximum efficiency and comfort in a moderate seaway.
Bieker Boats used RANS flow computations to optimize hull and propeller such that fully loaded the e-Link ferry uses approximately 26 kW (35 hP) running at 10.1 knots in flat water! This is far more efficient in energy used per passenger mile than any high-speed hydrofoiling boat carrying a similar passenger weight. We think boats like the e-Link ferry will be a natural choice for zero-emissions marine passenger transportation – especially for shorter routes. The design is also optimized for transport of the components in shipping containers to the final assembly site.
Particulars
| Length | 18.3 m (60 ft) |
| Beam | 6.5 m (21.3 ft) |
| Draft (Hull) | 0.75 m (2.5 ft) |
| Wet Deck Clearance | 1.2 m (4.5 ft) |
| Disp. Lightship | 8,700 kg (19,180 lbs) |
| Max Payload | 4,940 kg (10,980 lbs) |
| Complement | 55 Passengers |
| Hydrogen Capacity | 50 kg |
| Motors | 2 x 100 kW |
| Fuel Cell Output | 70 kW |
| Operating Speed | 12 kts |
| Range at Cruising | 34 nm |
