The Spatz, the tried-and-tested working vessel of the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, was launched in August 2023 as an electrified version with a battery storage system from TESVOLT. It has now been awarded the prestigious title of “Inland Vessel of the Year” by the Hansa editorial team. The E-Spatz is the first working vessel of its kind to have a purely battery-electric drive and represents a milestone on the road to emission-free inland shipping.
One load lasts for three days
The E-Spatz has been jointly developed in recent years by the German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) and the Bolle shipyard. The innovative electronics of the E-Spatz were provided by the companies Kadlec & Brödlin, Jastram, and TESVOLT.
The workboat, with its innovative drive, will ensure traffic safety on the rivers and canals of the West German canal network. Its tasks include construction and maintenance work on the waterways as well as, for example, sounding work. Unlike its diesel-powered predecessor, the E-Spatz is powered exclusively by two electric motors with 80 kW (109 hp) each.
TESVOLT supplied the battery storage system with a total capacity of 980 kilowatt hours (kWh). Seven water-cooled battery modules, each with a capacity of 10 kWh, are located on 14 racks. Each of the 98 modules is constantly monitored by the battery management system. This means that there is always clarity about the temperature, charge, and health status of the installed cells. The batteries are charged via a connection point for shore power cables located at the rear of the E-Spatz with a maximum output of 125 amps (A). Charging usually takes place at night. Depending on the type of work, the E-Spatz can be operated for up to three days on one battery charge.
Active for clean waters and climate protection
Michael Miebach, Business Development Manager Maritime Solutions at TESVOLT: “The ‘Barge of the Year’ award not only recognises the technological achievements of the E-Spatz, but also the commitment and cooperation of all the companies involved and the WSV in this pioneering project. There is no alternative to the electrification of shipping on the way to cleaner waters and the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. As TESVOLT, we are actively driving the transition to a more environmentally conscious and sustainable maritime industry.”
Starting signal for forward-looking fleet
With over 600 ships, the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration is the largest inland shipping company in Germany. The WSV currently operates around 130 Spatz vessels alone, which are to be equipped with low-emission drives in the future after the E-Spatz pilot has been trialled. The electrification that has now begun is the starting signal for a pioneering generation of environmentally friendly ships.
