Torqeedo has announced that the company has been commissioned by Eichberger Schiffservice GmbH. Together they are developing a prototype of a luxurious and innovative houseboat called "Kingfisher", which will be equipped with a fully integrated electric propulsion system. In addition, a fuel cell from Argo-Anleg and solar panels will be integrated to enable the "Kingfisher" to travel 100 per cent emission-free on rivers and lakes.
A sustainable holiday option
Eichberger Schiffservice has recognised that tourists are increasingly looking for more sustainable holiday options. As a provider of comprehensive system solutions for the integration of solar and hydrogen technologies into ship propulsion, Torqeedo is able to ensure the desired range of the houseboat.
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Torqeedo utilises energy from solar power and hydrogen combustion
The development and idea for the "Kingfisher" came from Eichberger Schiffsservice, which received financial support from the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy as part of the Bavarian Energy Research Programme. The prototype houseboat is being built by the Kiebitzberg shipyard in Havelberg and equipped with the powerful Deep Blue 50i engine and the Deep Blue Battery 80 from Torqeedo, which has a capacity of 80 kWh. The fuel cell from Argo-Anleg also enables completely self-sufficient operation for several days with a daily cruising time of four hours. In addition, solar panels are installed on the wide roofs of the houseboat to generate additional energy of up to 3 kWh per hour during longer periods of mooring.
Launch and test phase
Completion of the demonstrator of the charter houseboat is planned for September this year. This will be followed by an extensive test phase on the river. Manfred Eichberger explains: "As hydrogen propulsion systems on the water are still quite new, we are working with our engineers and the relevant authorities to develop guidelines during the test phase. Our aim is to ensure safe use on the water." Following a successful test phase, the "Kingfisher" will enter trial operation and lay the foundation for series development of up to ten units.
