Zinus autonomous charging system for electric and hybrid ferries

Diesel-driven ferries, which emit CO₂, SO₂, NOₓ and particulate matter, have been the main mode of transport for many people living in coastal or island communities. In the past decade, battery technology has improved considerably, making electric ferries an increasingly viable option.

However, most marine charging systems require extremely precise docking to connect to onshore charging infrastructure, which is one of the hindrances to widespread adoption of hybrid and electric ferries and vessels.

The Autonomous Telescopic charging solution from Zinus is a fully autonomous handling unit that automatically connects AC or DC charging power to vessels. Its operation system recognises when a vessel is approaching the dock and can automatically connect to the vessel’s charging port within 20 seconds after docking.

The Automatic Telescopic solution features a height-adjustable connector tower and a telescopic charging arm that can rotate 90 degrees. This flexibility, combined with long and pliable charging cables, means that the Telescopic charging tower can accommodate a wide variety of vessel types and sizes, while adjusting automatically to fluctuations in wind, wave and tidal conditions. The tower can accommodate a total vessel drift of up to 2 m.

The Autonomous Telescopic charging system is all-electric, eliminating emissions, and like all Zinus products, it does not contain and oil.

The unit is constructed from weather and seawater-resistant materials, and has a small footprint – the tower requires a base of only 0.8 x 0.8 m. The tower also features a slender and elegant design to blend into the public environment and comes with built-in harbour lighting.

The Autonomous Telescopic charging system can provide approximately 10 000 charge cycles before Zinus recommends inspection. Overhaul is scheduled at 50 000 cycles.

The system also comes in a semi-automatic version. Both versions can be customised according to individual customer requirements.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport and shipping by 50 per cent by 2050. Electrification of vessels will be key to achieving this target. This, in turn, will require a sizeable expansion of charging infrastructure at ports.

The Zinus Telescopic charging system has already been installed at Danish, Dutch and Norwegian ferry docking stations, and the company has attracted considerable attention from global customers.

Zinus is owned by three companies – DSD, LOS Gruppen and Eviny Ventures – all of which invest in green technology.

Zinus also provides shore power solutions for other types of vessels as well as a shore power solution specifically for cruise ships. More information can also be found at www.zinuspower.com.