“WN-21”: First vessel in Amsterdam with Li-ion batteries

Less Polution

To meet the demand for less polluting vessels, Waternet designed, together with naval architects and engineers C-Job, the new build to meet Amsterdam Municipality’s increasinglydemanding standards. Considering only trucks meeting the strictest EU requirements for emissions can enter the city, it stands to reason that vessels should also meet highenvironmental standards.

“On Waternet’s conventional vessels, the diesel propulsion engine often kept idling while the vessel was stationary,” notes Cor Meedendorp, Managing Director at Floattech. An idling engine consumes approximately 25 percent of the fuel consumed at full capacity. “This resulted in relatively poor combustion with the corresponding emission of harmful gases. And by putting the vessel in its work gear and then just navigate forward and backwards, you got black smoke and a filthy stench.”

In 2009 Floattech, already known for its yacht electrical installations, registered for the project through a European tender. Waternet selected Floattech to deliver the propulsion and electrical installation. As well as reduced emissions, the system saves Waternet running costs through fuel efficiency and the innovative batteries provide extended lifetimes.