Port of Barcelona’s New All-Electric Ferry Powered by Molabo

Molabo, an innovator in marine electric propulsion, has equipped the Port of Barcelona’s groundbreaking “Ecocat Tres” commuter ferry with its advanced ARIES i50 electric motors. This installation marks a significant advancement in safe, high-efficiency electric marine transport, setting new standards for urban water mobility.

This state-of-the-art vessel is part of Bus Nàutic, a zero-emission boat service connecting Drassanes and Llevant wharves in Barcelona. In its first three months of operation, the Bus Nàutic service had already completed more than 125,000 clean, quiet, and sustainable trips. This initiative, backed by Port de Barcelona and operated by ALSA, provides an eco-friendly alternative to land transportation, reducing congestion and aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.

Built by Metaltec Naval, the 15-meter aluminum catamaran transports 84 people and features a rooftop deck for additional seating. The vessel operates at least 12 hours per day, running every 15 to 30 minutes for a 10-minute journey between stops.

The electric propulsion system, powered by two ARIES i50 Molabo motors, enables a top speed of 12 knots. At its operational speed of 5 knots, the Ecocat Tres can run for up to 21 hours on a single charge, ensuring efficient and reliable service for passengers.

Molabo’s 48 V ARIES i50 motors provide a safer, quieter, and highly efficient alternative to traditional high-voltage systems. They significantly reduce onboard noise and vibrations for an improved passenger experience. The propulsion and power system, supplied by Azimut Marine, features twin electric ARIES 50 kW inboard drives, 36 batteries (216 kWh total capacity), fast chargers, and integrated solar panels, which provide up to 40% of the catamaran’s total energy usage.

“Integrating our ARIES i50 motors into Barcelona’s nautical bus fleet underscores our commitment to making maritime transport quieter, cleaner, and more reliable,” said Adrian Patzak, COO at Molabo GmbH. “Our low-voltage propulsion solutions provide plenty of power for this large, heavy passenger vessel and are also easy and safe to maintain and repair. By eliminating the hassles of high-voltage electric drive systems, the Ecocat Tres has set a new benchmark for practical, economical, and sustainable urban mobility.”

With its zero-emission operation, the Ecocat Tres is expected to save 90 tons of CO₂ annually, significantly contributing to Barcelona’s environmental goals.

Port of Barcelona president Mr. José Antonio Carbonell underlined, “The arrival of the new electric water taxi marks a meaningful step forward in our commitment to sustainability. This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonisation of our operations.”