Complete overhaul of tour boat De Vrijstate

The ship is much lighter and has much more power.

Electric boating is by no means new in the Weerribben-Wieden. At Pieter Jongschaap, they have been operating electrically from the very beginning with e-sloops, whisper boats, and a passenger ship. Over the past six months, the electrification technology in the tour boat De Vrijstate has been completely overhauled and prepared for the next 20 years. We spoke to Bene Jongschaap, who runs the company in Kalenberg together with his brother Peter Jongschaap. Their father Pieter, who is also still active, has passed on the craftsmanship for shipping and the handyman skills in the workshop. The gentlemen do it all themselves, with the help of on-call workers who pitch in during the busy season. Tour boat De Vrijstate was always electrically/hybrid powered. But it was time for an overhaul. Their attention was drawn to the MG batteries that meet the ES-TRIN regulations. Through MG, they were referred to dealer AES Technische Groothandel. “We didn’t know that AES was so specialized in electrification projects.” Last winter season, the ship was completely rebuilt, and the 20-year-old gel batteries were replaced with lithium batteries. “22 connected MG lithium 24V batteries were installed. In addition to the MG batteries, AES supplied the chargers and PV inverter that communicates with the BMS. The piping throughout the ship has been modified. Everything is ES-TRIN certified. The space occupied by the batteries was reduced by 75%. A glance into the hold immediately reveals the space gain. It is almost a shame that the batteries have been concealed. The secure battery box with framework and fire extinguishing system is virtually invisible in the lower deck. A fine piece of engineering! - The weight is 10% of the previous weight (from 13,000 kg to 1,200 kg). - The ship is much lighter and has much more power. - Savings on diesel consumption are already noticeable. - Moreover, the draft has been reduced by 10 cm, which is a welcome bonus in this shallow nature reserve.