Smart sailing for e-ferries

What if captains could see into the future? Damen Shipyards, a recognized shipbuilder and maritime innovator, set out to make that a reality—at least when it comes to battery efficiency. Their electric ferries had the potential for smarter, more sustainable operations, but captains faced a unique challenge: managing power consumption, navigating dynamic sailing conditions and keeping schedules on track. Quick, confident decision-making in real time was crucial. But how do you support experienced captains without disrupting their expertise? Rather than telling them how to sail, could they be given the right insights at the right moment to make battery management second nature? That required a fresh and reasonable perspective.

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We kicked things off with a workshop, bringing together designers, data scientists, and developers to explore how real-time data could support captains. By integrating information from the ferry timetables, charging stops, water currents, traffic, and navigation rules, we developed a Battery Widget that enables captains to make precise, well-timed adjustments. The result? A proof of concept (POC) designed for clarity and ease of use—helping captains optimize energy efficiency without compromising their autonomy.

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At the core of our solution is the ‘ghost ship’, a virtual reference that makes battery efficiency an integral part of navigation. Inspired by the gaming industry, we introduced a smart display that blends clear visual cues with live performance data, encouraging small but impactful refinements while staying on course. With this tool, captains no longer have to guess what’s ahead—now, they can see into the future of their route, making every trip smoother, smarter, and more sustainable. 

But the impact goes beyond navigation. Optimized energy use allows for more frequent yet shorter charging cycles, lowering operational costs and extending battery lifespan—ensuring a more efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof eFerry operation. 

Now, isn’t that reasonable?

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