A 43-foot battery-electric hybrid boat, developed through a collaborative effort between Ampcontrol, Steber International, and the University of Newcastle in the Hunter Region, is making waves at the 2023 Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition.
Docked at the Sydney Harbour Marina from 6 to 9 November, this vessel showcases advanced electric battery technology and has garnered significant attention from delegates representing over 40 nations and 700 defence industry organisations, the company said in a media release.
The vessel’s 600kW plug-in hybrid power and propulsion system, designed by Ampcontrol engineers, offers high-speed, whisper-quiet, zero-emission operation.
Dr Steve Mitchell, Ampcontrol engineering manager, emphasises the boat’s success as a result of collaborative partnerships and innovative thinking.
He stated, “Marine technology was previously outside of our area of focus as a business, however through radical thinking and collaboration, we have been able to de-risk our research and development activities to pave the way in developing commercially viable solutions suitable for applications across defence, government, and private sectors.”
As part of the Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition, Dr Mitchell delivered a presentation at the International Conference Centre in Darling Harbor, discussing the “Hybrid Diesel-Electric Power and Propulsion System for Commercial Vessels.”
This presentation highlighted Ampcontrol’s cutting-edge technology and expertise in creating the 600kW Marine Plug-In Hybrid System.
The project began in 2018 when Steber International, a pioneer in Australian boat manufacturing and industrial composite technology, approached Ampcontrol to develop a hybrid police boat prototype.
Ampcontrol said its technology and expertise were instrumental in creating a power-efficient, quiet, and environmentally friendly boat without compromising on the cruising range.
Alan Steber, Steber International’s general manager, underscored the broad potential of hybrid power sources in the marine sector, saying, “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.”
Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol managing director & CEO, commended the collaboration and the boat’s innovative potential, stating, “When we collaborate with the best, like Steber, we are able to deliver innovation that can transform the world.”
