Hybrid Waterbus 2907 E3 – Sustainable public transport on blue highways

Travel by ferry allows for a sustainable mode of transportation that not only avoids the overburdened automobile infrastructure, but also offers hassle-free connections over water and contributes to reductions in CO₂ emissions. A collaborative and comprehensive study by CE Delft modelled that on a per-trip basis on the Hybrid Waterbus, travellers can reduce their annual emissions by up to 45%. Moreover, ESG is embedded within its design, as the vessel is composed of sustainable and circular materials.

The city of Copenhagen has a total of nine Damen vessels operating in its waters: six hybrid waterbuses and three fully electric city ferries. Before 2030, the hybrid vessels that currently sail on low carbon fuel (50% HVO) will go through a transition to fully electric propulsion after which they will charge with renewable energy through shore power charging stations along their sailing routes, resulting in emissions-free operations.

Circular design principles in the interior design

Sustainability and circular design principles have been integrated throughout the design phase of the Waterbuses. For example, the ergonomic passenger interior is fitted out using circular materials. These include renewable wool for the upholstery, carpets derived from used and recycled fishing nets, and seats whose suppliers offer a refurbishment program for repairing or replacing any damaged seats. The interior fixtures are mounted instead of welded to the hull to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly and a flexible interior design.

Durable and sustainable exteriors

We also focused on using materials that will last throughout a waterbus's lifespan while being easy to maintain, repair, reuse, refurbish and/or recycled. That approach led to the development of the hull design using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). Vessels built using CFRP typically last between 30 and 50 years and afterwards up to 70% of the material can be recycled. In the future the use of emerging technologies is expected to enable carbon fibre to be fully reused or recycled.

Alignment with SDG 14 - Life Below the Waterline: The lightweight, low-wash catamaran design is 30% lighter than aluminium – reducing fuel consumption while minimizing wave disruption affecting other commercial users as well as local residents and marine life. Additionally, the use of batteries for propulsion results in substantially less underwater noise compared to diesel engines, contributing to a more tranquil habitat for marine life.

The second life of batteries

Sustainability principles include creating designs that are built to last or have many different lifecycles. Aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption, the Waterbus battery system is engineered to last throughout the vessel’s lifetime. Once the waterbus batteries complete 75% of their operational capability, this signals the onset of their "second lives." At this point they can be repurposed for onshore activities and replaced with new ones. This transition marks a crucial phase in our sustainable energy practices as ‘retired’ Waterbus batteries can then have a useful life serving as storage reservoirs for both excess solar and grid power, providing a versatile and sustainable power source.

Serving the needs of different passengers

Waterbuses also operate across the Rotterdam-Drechtsteden region, servicing a wide range of passengers including commuters, tourists, families, elderly persons and others with limited mobility. They are crafted to be completely user-friendly and accessible to all passengers, as evidenced by being certified for inclusivity. Once on board, travellers can enjoy 360° panoramic views or decompress after a long day of work while their e-bikes are charging on the deck, in preparation for completely sustainable journeys to their destinations. In this way we contribute to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Are you interested in experiencing the waterbus for yourself and taking a trip along the Maas? Buy your tickets here.