Americas News
Canadian Capital Launches Country's Largest Electric Propulsion Tour Vessel
The largest tour boat in Canada to feature electric propulsion has been launched in Ottawa, Boat World Magazine reports.
The 75 foot, 100 passenger capacity vessel, named The Queen Elizabeth Dr., is said to be the first of two such planned vessels, and will offer guided tours and an event venue along the Rideau Canal.
The Queen Elizabeth Dr. is noted to have two Torqeedo GmbH (Torqeedo) Deep Blue systems installed, although they are used one at a time, with the vessel engaging the opposite motor instead of turning around.
"Torqeedo's high-power Deep Blue system was the obvious choice to propel Canada's largest electric passenger vessel because of its comprehensive safety systems," said Robert Taillefer, vessel owner and operator of Ottawa Boat Cruises.
"These systems were fully vetted by the Canadian government in order to have the vessel certified," he added, referring to Parks Canada's requirement for only electric propelled vessels to be used by the tourism operation.
The Deep Blue line is said to offer the horsepower, torque, and performance of a diesel or gasoline engine, without the associated noise, fumes, or pollution.
The second electric powered tour vessel planned for the canal, The Colonel By, is expected to enter service during the spring of 2017.
Both vessels are set to be powered by high-voltage lithium batteries, said to have "exceptionally fast" recharging times.
"Our organisation is always happy to see new opportunities for people to connect with the river in a sustainable way," said Meredith Brown, Ottawa's Riverkeeper, adding: "there is nothing like a quiet electric motor to help everyone enjoy the natural sounds of the river."
In September, Spain's Astilleros Gondán, S.A. (Astilleros Gondán) announced that its Gondan Shipyard GRP Division has built an electric-propelled passenger ferry, the Rio Uso, which can also be powered by built-in solar panels during the day.
