Image credit: Pixabay

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Thailand's first all-electric commuter ferry has been placed into service by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA).

The 47.5-foot fiberglass vessel was repowered by MariArt Shipyard, replacing a 205-horsepower diesel engine with twin Torqeedo Cruise 10-kilowatt electric outboards, each with six Torqeedo lithium battery banks and two fast chargers.

The 40-passenger vessel is part of a fleet of ferries operated by BMA's Enterprise Krungthep Thanakom Company (KT BMA); it operates on a five-kilometer route daily between Hua Lampjong and Thewes Pier.

"This is an important achievement for the city of Bangkok and a key part of our Thailand 4.0 Smart City vision for an integrated clean, green public transportation system," said Dr. Ekarin Vasanasong, deputy managing director of KT BMA.

"Based on the success of the first Torqeedo-powered electric ferry, we expect to repower more vessels in the fleet with battery-electric drives in the coming months," Vasanasong added.

David Hunter, managing director of Torqeedo Asia Pacific, remarked: "Switching from diesel to electric power eliminates fuel costs, reduces air and water pollution and creates greater passenger satisfaction."