Elektra, the hydrogen-powered push boat launched

Elektra is the hydrogen-powered push boat launched in Berlin. The vessel has taken shipbuilder Hermann Barthel and its partners two years for its development.

With 750 kilos of high-pressure compressed hydrogen on board and a battery capacity of about 2,500 kilowatt hours, the push boat has a range of about 215 nautical miles.

The vessel will maximize the use of energy carried on board. In addition to propulsion, the hydrogen power system provides heating for the cabins and the wheelhouse.

Combined with one other charging station, this is enough range to carry Elektra along the region’s waterways to the Ruhr, Hamburg and Stettin.

The Dept. of Maritime Systems Design and Operations at the Technical University of Berlin served as project manager, with support from BEHALA (Berliner Hafen- und Lagerhausgesellschaft), shipyard Hermann Barthel, fuel cell maker Ballard Power Systems and others.

Testing of the Elektra will initially take place in the Berlin area. Beginning in 2023, the tests will be continued on long-distance routes towards Hamburg.