Aqua superPower and Hyke have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will aim to help create a blueprint for electrified urban ferry networks to unlock the potential of underutilised waterways as sustainable transport corridors.
Together, the two companies will support ferry operators, transport authorities, ports and city planners to develop electrified ferry routes where vessels, charging infrastructure and operational requirements are considered as one entity from the earliest stages of project planning through to project completion.
Both companies have agreed that they believe the future success of urban waterborne transport depends on a more integrated approach, and their goal is to create a practical framework that aims to reduce complexity, lower project risk and accelerates the deployment of zero-emission passenger transport on waterways.
Hyke’s electric passenger ferries have been designed specifically for urban, inland and protected waterways, and aim to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional transport solutions whilst helping cities expand mobility capacity without the need for major investments in road or rail infrastructure.
Together, Hyke’s electric ferry and Aqua superPower’s charging technology will support the development of zero-emission urban water transport.
Niels Astrup, Business Development Manager, Nordics at Aqua superPower, said:Many cities already possess a valuable transport asset that remains significantly underutilised: their waterways.
Electric ferries have the potential to provide clean, efficient and attractive passenger transport while reducing pressure on roads and existing public transport networks. However, successful deployment requires more than innovative vessels or charging infrastructure alone. It requires both to be planned as part of a single transport ecosystem.
Our collaboration with Hyke is about creating a blueprint that helps cities, operators and ports understand how to successfully deliver electrified ferry routes from concept through to operation.
As part of the agreement, both Aqua superPower and Hyke will explore opportunities to collaborate on route assessments, feasibility studies, pilot projects, customer engagements and demonstration programmes, as well as combine expertise to support public authorities and operators evaluating the transition to electric passenger transport.
The collaboration is intended to simplify project delivery and help customers move from concept to operation with greater confidence and less complexity.
Charles Pembroke-Birss, VP Sales at Hyke, said:We’re excited to partner with Aqua superPower to make electric ferry projects easier to plan, deploy and operate.
At Hyke, we believe customers need more than an ultra-efficient vessel. Successful ferry services depend on vessels, charging infrastructure and operational requirements working together from the outset.
Aqua superPower brings world-class marine charging expertise to that process. By combining our capabilities, we can give cities and operators a clearer and more reliable path from an initial route concept to a fully operational zero-emission ferry service.
