Torqeedo powers SeaRobotics’ new hybrid research boat

Maritime electric drive specialist Torqeedo is powering a new hybrid research boat by US company SeaRobotics. The autonomous surface vessels (ASV) is designed for long-range hydrography and subsea mapping missions. Also, Torqeedo appointed a new VP for sales in the EMEA region.

But first for the research vessel. SeaRobotics stresses that the Endurance 7.0 required “extended endurance on station as well as a quiet operating mode while performing acoustic research operations,” said Don Darling, president of SeaRobotics. Hence why the boat is electric with an onboard diesel generator for off-shore battery recharges.

Torqeedo’s Deep Blue 50i electric motor used here comes with a 30.5 kW lithium battery, a water-cooled DC-DC converter, a 24 VDC lithium battery for DC-DC backup, and a 25 kW diesel generator. The system thus provides up to six days on station at survey speeds and up to 10 hours between automatic battery recharges from said onboard generator. The recharging cycles are fully automated.

So is the ASV’s operation. An operator ashore can remotely control the Endurance 7.0 to implement a mission plan. All on-board systems use data connections to the remote base station. “The operator can control all interfaces, view video feeds or put the ASV into automatic waypoint navigation mode, in which throttle and steering are under full computer control. The boat’s helm station can be optionally manned for operation in congested waterways and ramp operations when required,” details the press release.

Meanwhile, Torqeedo has appointed Jochen Engelmann as Vice President for sales in the EMEA region. The manager, who previously worked for Volvo Penta, has filled the position of Sales Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa since this January. At Volvo Penta, Engelmann was responsible for sales of industrial engines in Central Europe. Dr Christoph Ballin, CEO of Torqeedo, hopes that “with Jochen’s international experience in the sales of technically sophisticated drive systems, we will sustainably deepen our interaction with existing and new customers and strategically advance Torqeedo’s market presence and steady growth”.

SeaRobotics is a recurring client of Torqeedo and already uses the company’s electric drives in other vessels.

torqeedo.com (Endurance 7.0), torqeedo.com (Engelmann)