Electric Ferry Makes Historic Spain-Africa Journey, Cutting Energy by 80%

Quick Smiles:

• Electric ferryboat makes historic intercontinental journey from Spain to Africa.
• Innovative design cuts energy use by 80% compared to traditional vessels.
• Hydrofoil technology offers smoother rides and reduces motion sickness.

A remarkable milestone in maritime travel has been achieved as an electric ferryboat successfully completed a round-trip journey from Spain to Africa, all in a single day. This voyage marks a significant step forward in reducing the carbon footprint of strait crossings.

The Swedish-engineered vessel embarked on its journey from Sotogrande, Spain, reaching Ceuta in North Africa—a distance of 24 nautical miles—in just over an hour. This matches the speed of conventional fast ferries, but with a fraction of the energy consumption.

After a swift recharge, the ferry returned to Spain on the same day, showcasing the feasibility of electric travel across the Mediterranean.

“There’s a clear need for additional fast, clean, and efficient travel options across the Mediterranean—and for direct lines that wouldn’t be economically viable with larger, conventional vessels,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of the company behind the ferry and pilot during the crossing.

The vessel, which made this historic crossing, is equipped with a 67 kWh battery pack similar to that of an electric SUV. This innovative ferry is designed to serve coastal communities that are often overlooked by larger diesel ferries.

Beneath the ferry are two hydrofoils that lift the vessel above the water. This design significantly reduces drag and cuts energy consumption by a staggering 80% compared to traditional fast ferries.

This technological advancement allows the ferry to cover the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the busiest shipping lanes globally, with ease.

The strait, where the cold Atlantic meets the warmer Mediterranean, is notorious for its strong currents and challenging conditions. This makes it a perfect testing ground for the hydrofoil system.

Often referred to as a “magic pill” for motion sickness, this system uses sensors to detect environmental changes, adjusting the hydrofoils up to 100 times per second. The result is a ride that feels more like flying than boating.

During its journey, the ferry used only 40 kWh of energy, costing approximately $10. In contrast, a gasoline-powered boat of similar size would burn over 10 gallons of fuel, incurring a cost of around $100.

As the world seeks sustainable travel solutions, this electric ferryboat offers a glimpse into a future where clean and efficient maritime travel is not just possible but practical.

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