Leclanché equips MS Jungfrau with battery system

Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains as a battery manufacturer. In addition to the main and development headquarters in Switzerland, the company also has a fully automated production facility in Willstätt in Baden-Württemberg. Now, the battery specialists announce the commissioning of the MS Jungfrau, the flagship of the BLS tourism fleet.

MS Jungfrau with Diesel-Electric Drive

The propulsion system of the MS Jungfrau, built in 1954 and accommodating 700 passengers, was completely modernized and equipped with a hybrid electric and diesel drive. The hybrid MS Jungfrau operates between Interlaken-East and Brienz.

"We are proud to have been involved in the renovation of the MS Jungfrau, a tourist symbol of our homeland Switzerland. This choice confirms the quality and reliability of Leclanché's battery systems and their pioneering role in converting maritime transport to environmentally friendly drives," said Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché.

The Leclanché lithium-ion battery system consists of two units, each with 12 modules and equipped with 60Ah G/NMC cells. The battery powers various electrical areas of the ship (engine, lighting, galley, etc.), depending on the needs and requirements of the crew. The autonomy of the battery system is 30 minutes at 100% electric drive and up to 10.5 hours in hybrid operation, with the possibility of recharging during operation. The full charging time of the batteries overnight in port is less than 1.5 hours. Thanks to Leclanché's supplied batteries, BLS estimates that the annual diesel consumption of the MS Jungfrau will be reduced by 12,000 liters and CO2 emissions by around 30 tons, equivalent to the emissions of 15 cars per year.

"We are pleased to glide silently over the lake for up to 30 minutes with the MS Jungfrau in the future. This allows our guests to experience the lake and the alpine panorama even more consciously and relaxed. Additionally, we make a valuable contribution to our environment and the goals of the Federal Council's Energy Strategy 2050," explained Claude Merlach, head of BLS Schifffahrt.

Exclusive System for Commercial Marine Electrification

This complete retrofit of a course ship with a modern propulsion system that reduces the use of fossil energy confirms Leclanché's pioneering role in the electrification of global commercial shipping. In Switzerland, Leclanché will equip two more new hybrid ships ordered by the CGN company to ensure cross-border traffic between Switzerland and France on Lake Geneva.

The Leclanché Marine Rack System, powered by the company's proprietary lithium-ion batteries, has been specifically developed for the shipping industry. It reduces the fuel consumption of ships by an average of 20% (and up to 100% for fully electric ships), significantly reducing NOx and particulate emissions.