Ampcontrol, Steber International and the University of Newcastle have developed A 43-foot hybrid boat, which was successfully deployed into the Manning River near Taree, New South Wales.
In a press release, Ampcontrol Engineering Manager Steve Mitchell emphasised the successful deployment is a result of the collaboration between industry, government, and the education sector.
“Marine technology was previously outside of our area of focus as a business, however through collaboration with Steber and the University of Newcastle, we have been able to de-risk our research and development activities in this area to pave the way in developing commercially viable hybrid diesel-electric power systems for marine vessels,” said Mitchell.
The Federal Government provided the research and development endeavour with early funding in the form of two AusIndustry Innovation Connection awards.
In particular, a smaller hybrid boat prototype measuring 22 feet was created with the help of this financing and debuted in 2021.
The Hybrid Power and Propulsion system installed in the recently launched vessel was developed using lessons learned from this effort.
Ampcontrol said the continuous partnership was a critical turning point in the creation of their most recent hybrid propulsion system and exemplifies the commitment of Ampcontrol, Steber International, and the University of Newcastle to advance green and effective marine technologies.
Steber International General Manager Alan Steber stated that the concept has enormous potential for the whole marine industry.
“Hybrid power sources for marine applications are being developed across the globe. We are proudly playing our part, working in partnership with industry leaders and innovators in Regional NSW,” said Steber.
Galina Mirzaeva, a professor at the School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, recently published a research paper titled, “Hybrid Propulsion System for Marine Vessels” based on a DC Microgrid that details the successful application of this technology in a prototype marine vessel and advancements of hybrid propulsion systems.
The next step in the project is the installation of a strong Diesel Generator that will be electrically coupled with the electrical power system to ensure that the boat has the same operational range as its full diesel rivals.
