First 100-Percent Battery Powered, Air Supported Vessel, Launched in Riga, Latvia

EQS Group-Media / 23.05.2016 / 08:30

Editor's Note: Photos of the BB Green and its battery storage system are
available upon request.

For Immediate Release

First 100-Percent Battery Powered, Air Supported Vessel,
Launched in Riga, Latvia

BB Green is the world's fastest electric commuter vessel;
Leclanché provided the turnkey battery energy storage system for EU-project

YVERDON LES BAINS, Switzerland and DALLAS, May 23, 2016 - The world's
fastest Air Supported Vessel (ASV), fully powered by a Leclanché lithium-
ion battery energy storage system (BESS), has been launched at Latitude
Yachts in Riga, Latvia.

The "BB Green" is the result of a five-year long EU-project. The vessel
holds up to 70 passengers plus bikes, operates at a speed of 30 knots
(56km/h) and is the first of its kind; it will initially be used for
demonstration purposes across Europe.

The ASV technology reduces water resistance by having the ship operate on
an air cushion. A battery powered fan in the bow injects pressurised air
into a cavity under the ship and supports some 80 percent of the vessel's
displacement. The resistance is reduced by 40 percent at high speed, which
makes it possible for the 25-ton ship to reach a speed of 30 knots
propelled by 2 x 280 kW electric motors.

BB Green includes a 200 kWh LTO energy storage system enabling it to
operate at high speed for over 30 minutes with a 14 nautical mile (26 km)
range. At each stop, it benefits from ultra-fast charging for 15-20
minutes. This makes BB Green the "the world's fastest electric commuter
vessel" - perfect for commuting on inland waterways from outer suburbs to
the city centre.

Mr. Antti Väyrynen, vice president of Leclanché highlights the importance
of this project, "Full electrification of passenger ferries will reduce
local emissions and provide silent and comfortable transportation on
waterways. As the leading manufacturer of lithium-ion battery systems in
Europe, Leclanché is proud to have contributed to this very innovative
project as the integrated battery system supplier."

BB Green is the result of a European project which involved 8 main
partners:
- SES Europe / Effect Ships International, Norway (Hull technology and
design)

- Latitude Yachts, Latvia (Construction)

- Echandia Marine, Sweden (System integration)

- Leclanché, Switzerland (Energy storage systems)

- SSPA, Sweden (Tank testing and documentation)

- Lloyd's Register (Safety and classification)

- Diab, Sweden (Composite material and engineering)