---

An Air Supported Vessel (ASV) fully powered by a lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) has been launched at Latitude Yachts in Riga, Latvia.

The BB Green is the result of a five-year-long EU project. The vessel holds up to 70 passengers plus bikes, operates at a speed of 30 knots (56 kilometres per hour) and will initially be used for demonstration purposes across Europe.

The ASV technology reduces water resistance by having the ship operate on an air cushion. A battery-powered fan in the bow injects pressurised air into a cavity under the ship and supports some 80 percent of the vessel's displacement. The resistance is reduced by 40 percent at high speed, which makes it possible for the 25-tonne ship to reach a speed of 30 knots propelled by 2 x 280 kW electric motors.

BB Green includes a 200 kWh LTO energy storage system, enabling it to operate at high speed for over 30 minutes with a 14 nautical mile (26 kilometre) range. At each stop, it benefits from ultra-fast charging for 15-20 minutes.

According to battery system supplier Leclanché, the BB Green is "the world's fastest Air Supported Vessel (ASV)" and "the world's fastest electric commuter vessel - perfect for commuting on inland waterways from outer suburbs to the city centre".

Antti Väyrynen, vice president of Leclanché, remarked: "Full electrification of passenger ferries will reduce local emissions and provide silent and comfortable transportation on waterways."

BB Green is the result of a European project which involved 8 main partners:

- SES Europe / Effect Ships International, Norway (Hull technology and design)
- Latitude Yachts, Latvia (Construction)
- Echandia Marine, Sweden (System integration)
- Leclanché, Switzerland (Energy storage systems)
- SSPA, Sweden (Tank testing and documentation)
- Lloyd's Register (Safety and classification)
- Diab, Sweden (Composite material and engineering)
- Aqualiner, the Netherlands (End user partner)

The ship is owned by SES Europe together with Green City Ferries, who will operate the ship on its maiden voyage. It is due to make its first 'road show' from Riga to Stockholm, through the canal to Gothenburg and then on to Oslo.