AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Freudenberg e-Power Systems is proud to announce our collaboration with Derecktor Shipyards to power a third hybrid-electric ferry for the Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) in the City of Savannah.
“We are so excited to be part of a project that is so central to the City of Savannah and where so many of people will be able to experience the benefits of electrification,” says Joel Wollborg, Vice President of Sales and Application Engineering at Freudenberg e-Power Systems.
The ferries are part of the Chatham Area Transit’s Savannah Belles Ferry fleet moving passengers across the Savannah River. Our Freudenberg e-Power Systems battery packs were successfully launched in the original two ferries in late 2024.
Derecktor Shipyards is once again tapping our expertise their preferred maritime battery manufacturer producing cells and systems in the U.S. to partner on a third ferry installation for CAT. Like the first two, the newest vessel will be outfitted with 32 of our high-power XMP 96P Marine subpacks with a total installed capacity of 307kWh.
"The Derecktor team is excited to continue our work with Freudenberg e-Power Systems on Chatham Area Transit's third hybrid ferry vessel. The XMP 96P lithium-ion battery module's energy density and reliability are unmatched for maritime use. Just as impressive has been Freudenberg’s customer support. Their partnership was key in securing USCG Marine Safety Center approvals to comply with the CFRs and ASTM requirements. We’re excited to keep building the future of resilient ferry travel together.” says Erik Derecktor, New Construction Commercial Manager of Derecktor Shipyards.
In recent years, the Chatham Area Transit Authority set forth to find a way to reduce emissions and offer a more sustainable infrastructure to transport more than 500,000 passengers along Savannah’s Historic Riverwalk each year.
To do that, CAT applied for and received grants to transition their aging fleet to a sustainable solution with hybrid-electric ferries.
“Chatham Area Transit Authority remains at the forefront of advancing excellence in public transportation service delivery,” said Stephanie Cutter, Interim Executive Director/CEO. “Our priority is to ensure every passenger enjoys a smooth and quiet ride across the Savannah River. We’re proud to introduce another vessel to our fleet that delivers on that promise.”
Freudenberg e-Power Systems provided the battery packs to Derecktor Shipyards, who will handle the integration on the latest project. All three vessels will be identical builds: 65-foot-long and able to transport around 150 passengers.
"These ferries are a great application of Freudenberg’s technology to help with the electrification of the hybrid vessels and improve the passenger experience and reducing the environmental impact of the vessels,” added Wollborg.
Our battery packs ensure the ferries can charge quickly, while providing a quieter, more environmentally friendly, and efficient ride on the river.
And feedback from passengers and riverfront businesses and employees has been nothing but positive.
CAT officials say the ferries are one of the most popular attractions in the city and being able to provide a better on-board experience for passengers while providing an eco-friendly transit has been a perfect match.
The Savannah Belles Ferries are named after prominent women in Savannah’s history. Juliette Gordon Low II’s namesake is the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, Juliette Gordon Low.
Susie King Taylor II is named after Susie King Taylor. King, was freed from slavery as a teenager, served as a nurse during the Civil War, and eventually opened the one of the first schools for former enslaved African Americans in Savannah.
CAT is planning a ceremony to celebrate the successful launch of the first two ferries on May 30.
Meantime, the third hybrid-electric vessel is expected to be delivered to Savannah in late 2026.
Freudenberg e-Power Systems is committed to providing sustainable solutions for heavy-duty on-road and maritime applications.
To learn more about our Buy American Act compliant battery systems and sustainable solutions to power your fleets, please click here.
More information: