E-ferry likely for Lyttelton

A fully electric passenger ferry for Lyttleton Harbour is considered by Black Cat Cruises.

The operator of the Diamond Harbour Ferry service for 19 years is investigating buying a battery electric vessel to replace its 18-year-old Black Diamond ferry in 2021.

The Christchurch City Council and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) will provide funding towards the project.

Black Cat Cruises chief executive Paul Milligan says the service is growing in popularity and a larger vessel is needed. The company is always looking for ways to minimise its environmental impact.

“The relative short trip times of the Diamond Harbour Ferry Service and the access to charging at the Lyttelton Port end make it the ideal ferry to further develop and test marine battery electric technology,” Milligan says.

“A fully electric, zero exhaust emission vessel would not only be good for the environment through the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but also reduced engine noise for the marine mammals in the harbour.”

Early investigations suggest two 250kW electric motors will reduce ferry greenhouse emissions by about 344 tonnes annually.

A detailed feasibility study is planned for completion by early next year.

The council will provide a $45,000 grant towards the e-ferry’s purchase through the innovation and sustainable development committee. EECA will put $200,000 towards the project.

Council resource efficiency manager Kevin Crutchley says the project aligns well with its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from Christchurch’s transport.

“Transportation represents around 53% of Christchurch’s greenhouse gas emissions and this innovative project is another example of how Christchurch organisations are working together on practical ways to reduce these emissions,” he says.

Other examples include the battery electric bus service that Red Bus launched in July, the EV car sharing service Yoogo Share, the roll-out of charging infrastructure for EVs across the city, and the launch of Take Charge Christchurch.

Crutchley says says battery electric vessels are a new, innovative technology in New Zealand.

“Having a zero-exhaust emission ferry operating on the Lyttelton Harbour will demonstrate this exciting new technology to both the public and to the marine industry.”

Christchurch won the 2019 Most EV Friendly Town of the Year Award at the EVworld NZ Champions Awards, the second time the city has won it.