Hybrid buoy-laying vessel equipped by Barillec Marine

Barillec Marine has equipped the new buoy-laying vessel Finistère (owned by Phares et Balises) with zero-emission hybrid propulsion.

The 24m work vessel, built by Glehen Shipyard in Douarnenez, France, is now operational for maintenance missions to lighthouses and buoys along the Finistère coast.

After Barillec Marine successfully overhauled the propulsion drives on the Provence in 2020, the company was entrusted by Glehen Shipyard for the overall electrical system installation of the Finistère. At that time, Benoît Vigot, the shipowner’s technical manager, announced Phares et Balises’ ambition to “use more green technologies and move towards zero-emission propulsion for our future ships”.

Barillec Marine co-designed the electric propulsion system with Glehen Shipyard, equipping the work boat with a battery-powered system which enables it to enter and exit ports, or sail through sensitive areas in zero-emission mode.

In specifying the electrical systems integration of the ship, Barillec considered the technical aspects of future operating needs, in order to optimize the vessel’s entire electrical chain.

The electrical installation also included alarm centralization, communications and navigation systems.

Finally, the delivery of the dynamic positioning system, in collaboration with D-Ice, offers the crew high levels of precision in terms of maneuverability and maximum safety.

“The new technologies installed on board require solid know-how, since this vessel is fitted with a hydraulic propulsion system,” said Clément Le Guillou, Barillec Marine business manager. “A zero-emission mode is made possible by installing a conversion panel and a 147kWh battery bank which power two electric motors.

“On the functional side, the batteries (designed and manufactured by French company E4V) are recharged at the quayside in less than 10 hours – 10% per hour, on a standard 400V, 63A shore power supply.”