Electric boats, like electric cars, need to replenish their energy by charging their batteries at regular intervals. This requirement means Gibsons, British Columbia-based Greenline Marine’s fast, zero-emission ferry service depends on the availability of reliable, high-capacity electric charging infrastructure at each of its planned landing sites.

If an electric ferry were to plug into shore power, major electrical upgrades would be required at the waterfront, and electricity demand would peak in the area whenever a vessel required a charge.

Greenline has worked with partners to design an elegant solution: a “charge barge”, which is a floating platform that stores clean energy and delivers high-power charging to vessels without overloading the electrical grid. Built offsite and floated into place, it also serves as a self-contained ferry landing each time the vessel delivers passengers to the site.

The 105.3’x34.1’x10′ steel charge barge will feature a 5.6′ draft, manual megawatt charging system, lithium iron phosphate batteries with 7 MWh to 10 MWh capacity, 400 kW of input power and 1.8 MW of output power, fire suppression, house loads, fresh water, and CCS1 charging.

THE SHIFT TO ELECTRIC VESSELS

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Greenline’s Charge Barge: A Long-Term Solution for Electric Vessel Charging

Leaders in the maritime industry say all-electric vessel technology has advanced rapidly, creating the right conditions for electrification.

“In the maritime industry globally, we’re witnessing a shift similar to what we saw with electric vehicles in the early 2000s,” Callum Campbell, CEO of Greenline Marine, said in a statement announcing the new charge barge. “Electric vessels are gaining popularity. The charge barge is an important way that we can plan ahead, revitalizing small craft [harbors] with 21st century infrastructure and technology.”

With a $96,000 contribution from BC Hydro, Greenline’s first-in-class charge barge design is now complete. This first design, configured specifically for the landing site at Gibsons, will serve as a model for future installations in downtown Vancouver and Bowen Island. The three charge barges will power Greenline’s first two passenger-only electric ferry routes between Vancouver and Gibsons, and Vancouver and Bowen Island.

“We are confident we’re taking the right steps to serve up more shore power and deliver clean and affordable electricity to those wanting to plug in,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are committed to helping organizations like Greenline Marine develop solutions to enable charging at B.C.’s ports and [harbors].”

DESIGNING FOR ALL-ELECTRIC VESSELS

The charge barge solves three major challenges for all-electric infrastructure: grid capacity, dock capacity, and public charging access.

Grid capacity. The charging requirements for an electric ferry are far greater than even the most powerful EV superchargers. Delivering that magnitude of power directly from the electrical grid would require major capital electrical upgrades and would impose significant loads on the grid during vessel charging. Instead, the charge barge has an onboard battery bank that charges steadily from the grid over time, then rapidly transfers power to the vessel during its brief docking time. This approach makes use of available grid capacity with a steady and predictable charge and eliminates the need for major infrastructure work. Greenline’s feasibility study confirmed that, using this method, the existing electrical grid in Gibsons can support up to four round-trip sailings per day.

Dock capacity. In discussion with the town of Gibsons and the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, another constraint Greenline heard about was the limited availability of dock space. Gibsons Landing is a busy working harbor and often reaches its capacity of vessels. Moreover, reserving dock space for the commercial fishing industry is an absolute priority. Because it is not possible to dedicate docking space at Gibsons for the Greenline ferry that wouldn’t come at the expense of some other user, the only real solution is to expand the facility with additional docking space. The charge barge, which is a self-contained floating terminal, expands docking capacity without encroaching on others.

Public access. While designed to support Greenline’s high-speed electric ferries, the charge barge also provides charging for public users, such as pleasure boaters, and small commercial vessel operators. General charging for other public users is made available via dedicated CCS1 charging units — the same standard as EVs.

Engineering for the charge barge was led by 3GA Marine, with architectural design by Boniface Oleksiuk Politano (BOP) Architects. Through the work of these collective efforts, the platform combines technical performance with thoughtful design features to meet both operational and community needs.

“The charge barge project is a creative solution to add electric charging capacity to existing small craft [harbors],” said Daniel McIntyre, vice president of 3GA Marine Ltd. “This type of project helps shape the future of Canada’s maritime sector and facilitates the electrification of ferries, tugs, fishboats and small commercial vessels.”

The exact site for the charge barge is still unconfirmed, but for engineering purposes the site selected is just outside the Gibsons Landing breakwater. Access to the barge from the breakwater boardwalk is facilitated by a long, wide gangway. Onboard the barge, there are two deckhouse blocks — one providing space for two containerized battery units, each at 5MWh, and one containing the e-house for the megawatt charging system, with additional space for storage. A small service kiosk is also present.

Functionally, the barge is designed to accommodate mooring of one ferry (outboard), as well as up to two small pleasure craft (inboard). Upon arrival of the ferry, after the vessel has been tied up, the short ramp to the vessel is extended for offloading and loading passengers.

Separately, the plug from the dispenser located at the deck edge will be connected to the ferry and once protocols are met, charging begins. Pleasure boats on the inboard side of the barge are provided with CCS1 charging units, similar to EV chargers.

In its prominent position on the waterfront, the charge barge is designed to be welcoming and practical. The look is clean and contemporary, with a long canopy that bridges across the deckhouses, creating visual cohesion and providing shelter for passengers. A central waiting area includes seating, and a service kiosk provides space for ticket sales or light refreshments. From the breakwater boardwalk to vessel boarding, passenger flows are facilitated by clear lines of sight, which make for easy wayfinding, supports accessibility, and reduced congestion. Robust railings and perforated metal screens give the structure a strong, unified look. Both deckhouses are likewise sheathed with a textured cladding.

A MODEL FOR OTHER SITES

Representatives from the town of Gibsons look forward to the changes ushered in by building electric vessel infrastructure.

“The charge barge project represents a critical and exciting opportunity for Gibsons to lead the way in marine electrification,” said Silas White, Gibsons’ mayor. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability while enhancing the services we provide to commercial vessels that are crucial to our local economy.”

The charge barge is a modular, replicable solution that can be adapted to other sites. Greenline’s team will be configuring the design for Seymour Bay as well as its landing site in downtown Vancouver.

“Vancouver enjoys a beautiful but under-utilized waterfront and this new service offers what we hope is the beginning of an exciting revisiting of the possibilities of maritime mobility in the city and region, said Shane Oleksiuk of BOP Architects. “BOP is thrilled to support Greenline in helping shape how we could move and connect people sustainably and seamlessly from shore to shore.”

date: 2025-05-06 00:24:00

Greenline’s Charge Barge: A Long-Term Solution for Electric Vessel Charging

The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to reduce emissions and embrace sustainable practices. Electric vessels are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional combustion engine boats,offering a cleaner and quieter boating experience. However, a major hurdle in the widespread adoption of electric boats is the lack of adequate charging infrastructure, notably in areas with limited grid capacity or environmental regulations that restrict land-based advancement. Greenline’s innovative charge barge concept presents a potentially transformative solution to this challenge, offering a mobile and scalable charging infrastructure for electric vessels.

The Growing Need for Electric Vessel Charging Infrastructure

The demand for electric vessels is surging, fueled by increasing environmental awareness and advancements in battery technology. From recreational boats and ferries to workboats and even larger commercial vessels,the possibilities for electrification are expanding rapidly. Several factors underscore the importance of a robust charging infrastructure:

Environmental Regulations: Stricter regulations on emissions in coastal areas and waterways are pushing operators to adopt cleaner technologies.
Growing Electric Boat Market: As the availability and performance of electric boats improve, more boaters are making the switch.
Cost Savings: Electric boats can offer long-term cost savings thru reduced fuel consumption and maintenance.
Performance Benefits: Electric motors provide instant torque,quiet operation,and reduced vibration,enhancing the boating experience.

Without sufficient charging infrastructure, the potential of electric vessels cannot be fully realized. Existing charging solutions often face limitations such as:

Limited Availability: The number of charging stations, particularly in marinas and harbors, is often insufficient to meet the growing demand.
Grid Capacity Constraints: Many marinas have limited electrical capacity, making it difficult to support multiple high-power chargers.
Permitting Challenges: Installing new land-based charging infrastructure can be a complex and time-consuming process due to environmental regulations and permitting requirements.

What is a Charge Barge?

A charge barge is a floating platform equipped with high-capacity battery storage and charging equipment. It serves as a mobile charging station for electric vessels, offering a flexible and scalable solution to overcome the limitations of land-based infrastructure. Greenline’s charge barge design incorporates several key features:

High-Capacity Battery storage: The barge utilizes advanced battery technology to store electricity, allowing it to charge multiple vessels without straining the local grid.
Fast Charging Capabilities: The barge is equipped with high-power chargers that can rapidly charge electric boats, minimizing downtime.
Renewable Energy Integration: The barge can be integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to further reduce its environmental impact.
Mobile and Flexible: The barge can be easily relocated to different locations to meet changing demand, providing a flexible charging solution for various applications.
Autonomous Operation (Potentially): Future iterations could incorporate autonomous navigation, enabling the barge to reposition itself based on real-time demand and optimize charging schedules.

greenline’s Charge Barge: A Detailed Look

Greenline, known for its innovative electric and hybrid boats, has been actively developing and promoting the charge barge concept. Their approach focuses on:

Modular Design: The barge is designed with a modular construction,allowing for easy expansion and customization to meet specific needs.
Sustainable Materials: Greenline emphasizes the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in the construction of the barge.
Smart Charging Management: The barge incorporates a smart charging management system that optimizes charging schedules and prioritizes renewable energy sources.
Remote Monitoring and Control: The barge can be remotely monitored and controlled, allowing for efficient management and maintenance.

Benefits of Using a Charge Barge for Electric Vessel Charging

The use of charge barges offers numerous benefits compared to traditional land-based charging infrastructure:

Reduced Grid Strain: A charge barge can store energy during off-peak hours or from renewable sources, reducing the strain on the local grid during peak charging times.
Flexibility and Scalability: Charge barges can be easily relocated and scaled to meet changing demand, providing a flexible solution for growing electric vessel fleets.
Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Installing a charge barge can be more cost-effective than building new land-based charging stations, particularly in areas with limited space or challenging terrain.
Environmental Benefits: By integrating renewable energy sources, charge barges can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of electric vessel charging.
Accessibility: Charge barges can provide charging access to areas where land-based infrastructure is not feasible, such as remote islands or environmentally sensitive areas.

Practical Tips for implementing a Charge Barge Solution

Successfully implementing a charge barge solution requires careful planning and execution. Here are some practical tips:

Assess Charging Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment of the charging needs of electric vessels in the target area, considering factors such as boat size, battery capacity, and usage patterns.
Optimize Location: Select a strategic location for the charge barge that provides easy access for electric vessels and minimizes environmental impact.
Integrate Renewable Energy: Maximize the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines to reduce the carbon footprint of the charge barge.
Implement Smart Charging Management: Use a smart charging management system to optimize charging schedules and prioritize renewable energy sources.
Develop a Maintenance Plan: Establish a comprehensive maintenance plan to ensure the reliable operation of the charge barge and its charging equipment.
Secure Permits and Approvals: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities before deploying the charge barge.
Communicate with Stakeholders: Engage with boaters, marina operators, and local communities to build support for the charge barge project.

Case Studies: Charge Barges in Action

While the charge barge concept is still relatively new,several pilot projects and deployments are demonstrating its potential. Here are a few examples (hypothetical, but based on real-world trends):

Case Study 1: Electric Ferry Route in the San Juan Islands, washington

A charge barge is deployed to support a new electric ferry route connecting several islands. The barge provides fast charging for the electric ferries, reducing the need for costly grid upgrades on the islands. The barge is equipped with solar panels to supplement grid power, further reducing its environmental impact. The project significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the ferry service and improved air quality in the area.

Case Study 2: Marina Electrification Project in the Mediterranean

A charge barge is deployed in a popular marina to support the growing number of electric boats. The barge provides convenient and reliable charging services, encouraging more boaters to switch to electric. The barge is also used as a demonstration platform to showcase the benefits of electric boating and sustainable charging solutions. The marina saw a significant increase in electric boat traffic and positive feedback from boaters.

Case Study	Location	Key Benefit
Electric Ferry Route	San Juan Islands	Reduced Grid Upgrades
Marina Electrification	Mediterranean Marina	Increased Electric Boat Traffic

First-Hand Experience: From Skeptic to Believer

Captain Emily Carter, a seasoned boater with over 20 years of experience, initially expressed skepticism about the practicality of electric boats. “I always thought electric boats were too limited in range and power,” she admits. however, her experience with a charge barge during a recent trip on the Puget Sound changed her perspective.

“I chartered an electric boat for a weekend trip, and I was initially worried about finding charging. But then I saw the charge barge – it was a game-changer.It was easy to access, the charging was fast, and knowing that it was partially powered by solar made me feel good about my choice. I’m now seriously considering buying an electric boat myself.”

emily’s experience highlights the importance of convenient and reliable charging infrastructure in driving the adoption of electric boats.The availability of a charge barge not onyl alleviated her range anxiety but also demonstrated the potential of sustainable boating.

Addressing the Challenges of Charge Barge Implementation

While charge barges offer numerous advantages, there are also challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation:

Cost: The initial investment cost of a charge barge can be significant, although long-term operational savings and potential revenue streams can offset this cost.
Permitting: Obtaining permits for deploying a charge barge can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring coordination with various regulatory agencies.
Weather Conditions: Charge barges need to be designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and waves.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the reliable operation of the charge barge and its charging equipment.
Cybersecurity: Like any networked system,charge barges are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Robust security measures are needed to protect the barge and its charging infrastructure.

The Future of Electric Vessel Charging: Beyond the Barge

While charge barges represent a promising solution for electric vessel charging, they are likely to be part of a broader ecosystem of charging infrastructure. Other emerging technologies and approaches include:

Inductive Charging: Wireless charging technologies that allow boats to charge without physical connectors.
Standardized Charging Protocols: Development of standardized charging protocols to ensure compatibility between different charging stations and electric vessels.
Grid Integration Technologies: Advanced grid management technologies that can optimize the integration of electric vessel charging into the power grid.
Battery Swapping Stations: Stations where depleted batteries can be quickly swapped for fully charged ones,minimizing charging downtime.

The future of electric vessel charging will likely involve a combination of these solutions, tailored to the specific needs of different applications and locations. Charge barges will play a crucial role in this ecosystem, providing a flexible and scalable solution for areas with limited grid capacity or environmental constraints.

Greenline’s charge barge could be long-term solution to electric vessel charging