Electric powertrains for four lifeboats

Pascal Technologies has signed a contract to deliver electric powertrains for four lifeboats. The client is confidential.

Pascal was chosen as supplier of the electric powertrain because our system can be installed without requiring a new type approval. It is also small, light and modular, and fits into a lifeboat without taking up unnecessary space.

Why electric lifeboats

A lifeboat spends almost all of its life waiting. It has to start and perform at full capacity the moment it is needed, often after long periods stowed and exposed to weather. With a diesel engine it requires regular test runs, fuel handling and a large share of the time and costs spent on inspection.

Battery-electric propulsion changes this and dramatically decreases the time and cost spent on maintenance.

Advantages of electric lifeboats

• Less maintenance. No engine oil, filters, fuel system or exhaust. Engine work makes up a large share of inspection time and cost on diesel lifeboats. An electric powertrain removes a lot of it.
• No fuel handling. No diesel to transport, store or handle, and no risk of fuel contamination.
• Continuous monitoring. Battery charge, temperatures and system health can be monitored remotely, so faults are found before they become a problem, not at the next inspection.
• Better safety. A launch phase of an evacuation can be executed at a higher sprint speed, so that evacuees can be moved more quickly away from the vessel.