VESSEL REVIEW | Z9 – Dutch events company adds all-electric newbuild to fleet

Dutch family-owned tour company Rondvaartbedrijf Zilvermeeuw recently placed a newbuild private events vessel into service on its regular canal routes.

Z9 was built by local shipyard Neptune Marine in fulfillment of an order for another low-emission vessel for Zilvermeeuw's own canal tour fleet. However, unlike its diesel-electric powered predecessor Z8, the newer vessel will rely solely on batteries for propulsion and for powering the onboard lighting, air conditioning, and catering facilities to ensure zero emissions of CO2, particulate matter, and soot.

Z9 has a length of 39 metres, a beam of 7.7 metres, and a Super B lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack with a rated output of 1,438 kWh. The cobalt-free, low-noise batteries drive two AAApropulsion motors and are configured for overnight charging at the vessel's homeport of Drimmelen. This ensures that the vessel can  immediately sail up to full speed as it commences daily operations each morning in addition to completing four trips on a single full charge.

The batteries are housed in two separate compartments as a safety precaution. Should there be a malfunction with the batteries within one of the compartments, those in the other compartment will enable the vessel to sail for another 30 minutes, which is an ideal time for the crew to identify and manoeuvre towards a safe mooring location along its daily route.

Z9 was designed in a manner that allows the interior layout including the main and upper deck lounges to be modified depending on the type of event to be held on board. Zilvermeeuw Director Adriaan Schuller said the interior can be set up as a corporate events venue, an exhibition hall, a private banquet area, or even a casino complete with gaming tables. A maximum of 230 guests can be accommodated on each trip whereas predecessor Z8 was limited to carrying only 175.

Other spaces include outdoor terraces and a panoramic deck while the interior dining facilities also feature a bar and a dedicated lift. Work on the onboard spaces was provided by interior designer Hugo Interieurvormgeving.

Z9 is being operated by Zilvermeeuw's Z-Eventships division. The vessel's regular sailings will entail three to four cruises each day through the De Biesbosch National Park, a nature conservation area and the largest freshwater tidal zone in Europe.

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