New technology BB Green 24

BB Green is an EU-funded development project which aim was to develop an energy-efficient hull for battery operations (Battery Boat Green) and passenger traffic on inland waterways. The project started in 2011 and in 2016 the prototype BB Green 20 was launched, which has since been tested , evaluated and further developed . The energy consumption in 30 knots was found to be 40% lower than the corresponding size of a carbon fiber catamaran and the waves were measured at 16 cm.

In 2019, a 24 m commercial version has been developed which can take 147 passengers and can make 35 knots on batteries. A strong focus is on the travel experience to make BB Green 24 an attractive alternative to taking the car. In addition to short travel time, it is low noise level, vibration free and comfortable. By the way, it is emission-free.

A large cavity under the vessel is filled with air from a fan in the bow, lifting the vessel half a meter. The amount of water displaced is much smaller and the friction against the air cusion is less than between hull and water. Reduced energy losses are reflected in reduced waves.

The interior of BB Green 24 gives an exclusive and bright feeling with its large windows. Sitting in comfortable seats you fly quietly over the water without the noise and vibrations from diesel engines. BB Green 24 is also equipped with flatscreens , wi-fi and USB chargers. It also has room for bikes on the aft deck.

After the launch of the prototype, it was found that there was no battery system in the market that could meet the requirements. Together with Toshiba, a marine application of their LTO batteries was developed. The LTO chemistry is not yet so common in the maritime market. Charging can be done in less than 10 minutes if sufficient power is available and the lifetime of the batteries is at least 10 years. DNV GL's type approval came in February 2020.