The Elektra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered push boat (towboat), was inaugurated in Berlin. Two years were required for the shipbuilder Hermann Barthel and its partners to create this revolutionary warship.

The ship is designed to maximize the usage of on-board energy. In addition to providing propulsion, the hydrogen power system provides cabin and wheelhouse heating. The waste heat from the fuel cells is used for continuous water cooling, and a heat pump is used to heat the cabins.

With 750 kilograms of high-pressure compressed hydrogen on board and a battery capacity of around 2,500 kilowatt hours, the push boat can propel the Ursus for approximately 215 nautical miles. Combined with one more charging station, there is sufficient range to transport Elektra along the waterways of the region to Ruhr, Hamburg, and Stettin.

The Technical University of Berlin’s Department of Maritime Systems Design and Operations served as project manager, with assistance from BEHALA (Berliner Hafen- und Lagergesellschaft), shipyard Hermann Barthel, fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems, and others.

In 2023, the first hydrogen tank exchange and electric charging stations for push boats will be operational in Berlin’s Westhafen and the port of Lüneburg. The detachable H2 tanks may be switched using the ship’s crane, while the shore power cables are handled mechanically to save time.

Initial Elektra testing will be done in the Berlin region. The tests will continue on long-distance routes towards Hamburg beginning in 2023.