Torqeedo was chosen to be the power provider for Thailand’s first all-electric commuter ferry. A company statement said the 40-passenger vessel was recently placed into service by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA).
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand was present at the launch, noting the city’s efforts to ease congestion and improve air quality through investments in green transportation. The Prime Minister commuted by skytrain, subway and foot through Bangkok’s crowded streets before taking a ride on the emissions-free passenger ferry.
The 47.5-ft fiberglass vessel was repowered by MariArt Shipyard, which replaced the 205-hp diesel engine with twin 13.5-hp Torqeedo Cruise 10 kW electric outboards. The system includes six Torqeedo lithium battery banks and two fast chargers. The 40 ferry operates on a three-mile route daily.
“Based on the success of the first Torqeedo-powered electric ferry, we expect to repower more vessels in the fleet with battery-electric drives in the coming months,” said Dr. Ekarin Vasanasong, deputy managing director of KT BMA, in the statement.
