Barillec Marine equips the Blue Wave with a diesel-electric propulsion system
Already installed on some cruise ships, diesel-electric propulsion is now appearing on trawlers. At the helm, a Guilvinec-based shipowner, assisted by Barillec Marine, a VINCI Energies business unit specialising in electric and hybrid propulsion systems and the management, production and storage of energy for ship owners and shipyards.
The ship departed its home port of Guilvinec in Brittany for its maiden voyage in October 2021. The Blue Wave, a 22-metre offshore trawler, is the first French fishing vessel to be built with diesel-electric propulsion. The ship’s builder, Jean Baptiste Goulard, advocating more responsible fishing less reliant on CO2, drew inspiration from a building in the Netherlands. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems already exist on some cruise ships, but artisanal fishing boat builders are yet to be won over.
However, this system consumes less energy and offers greater convenience. For sailors, choosing an electric motor means far less noise and vibration. It also allows much greater flexibility in positioning onboard equipment, freeing up valuable workspace. But above all, it can reduce a trawler’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 30%.
Shipowners are becoming increasingly interested in this innovation, with various new projects under way, consolidating Barillec Marine’s leading position in this market.