The ferry was recently placed back into service by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) and the launch has been welcomed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha who gave his symbolic approval to 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 ending his mixed-mode commute with a trip aboard the emission-free passenger ferry.
The new electric engines on the 47.5-ft fibreglass vessel utilise six Torqeedo lithium battery banks and two fast chargers. The 40-passenger vessel is part of a fleet of ferries operated by BMA’s Enterprise Krungthep Thanakom Company (KT BMA) and operates on a five-kilometre route daily between Hua Lampjong and Thewes Pier.
“This is an important achievement for the city of Bangkok and a key part of our Thailand 4.0 Smart City vision for an integrated clean, green public transportation system including bus, rail and waterways” said Dr. Ekarin Vasanasong, deputy managing director of KT BMA. “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.”
David Hunter, managing director of Torqeedo Asia Pacific Ltd, added that switching from diesel to electric power eliminates fuel costs, reduces air and water pollution and creates greater passenger satisfaction with a smooth quiet ride and no diesel fumes on deck.
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