South Korea launches first state-owned electric ferry

Busan Port Authority has introduced South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric ferry.

IMAGE: South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric ferry. Busan Port Authority

Swiss technology company ABB will provide the vessel’s electric power and propulsion systems.

While a single ferry won’t significantly reduce global emissions, it marks an important move toward cleaner port operations and will offer valuable technical and operational data to inform the development of larger electric vessels.

The ferry is equipped with two 1,068 kilowatt-hours (kWh) battery packs for propulsion. A full charge takes about an hour and a half and supports roughly two hours of operation.

Built by Kangnam Corporation, the vessel forms part of South Korea’s broader plan to replace 140 state-owned ships with electric or alternative-fuel-powered vessels by 2030.

By Tuhin Roy

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