Specifications include, but are not limited to: MaineDOT is currently designing a 207 ft long and 40 ft beam double ended passenger vehicle ferry replacement vessel. Gilbert and Associates Inc is the naval architect and ABB Inc is the selected integrator. The replacement vessel will be a diesel electric hybrid (full electric propulsion for ship service loads) with rapid shoreside charging with two fixed pitch propellers. The regulatory standard by which the vessel will be designed is 46 CFR subchapter H. The ferry will carry approximately 200 passengers and approximately 40 cars, or a mix of cars and trucks. The route is approximately 3 nautical miles straight across the West Penobscot Bay and is considered Partially Protected Waters. Two (2) standby CAT C-18 marine generator sets are planned to be provided to charge the batteries or drive the electric motors when rapid charging is unavailable. Two (2) variable speed propulsion motors would drive a fixed pitch propeller coupled via shafting to the motors at each end of the vessel. The battery bank is sized for approximately 3 MWh.
