January 2010 – Being large supporters of a green and healthy environment for over two decades now, Vripack’s designers and engineers have launched their first 100% battery powered Passenger Vessel which will whisper herself through the Irish canals.

This revolutionary full electric 18m Barge is driven by 36, with a maximum of 60, batteries which activate the silent 11KW twin engines creating an astonishing 10km per hour. Being ‘Green’, she is entirely equipped with LED lighting and can be charged ashore by normal or green electricity.

On board 50 persons can be fully catered thanks to the luxuriously equipped galley. All delicious bites are accompanied by beats from the numerous speakers and bubbles served from the on-board bar, making her very suitable for anniversaries and weddings. Also wheelchairs have easy access.

The classic details of her exterior are reminders of the historic Irish barges, for example the wooden rubbing strakes and the outside steering possibility with the old fashioned tiller.

The rudder of this 55ton Vripack design rotates 90° creating less maximum length making her fit exactly between the Irish locks. As she also complies with all the Irish Damage Stability criteria for Passenger Vessels, she is the perfect solution for an enjoyable sight-seeing voyage along the Irish canals.

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About Vripack®

Established in 1961, Vripack is a leading full service design, naval architecture, engineering and brokerage organization. Aiming for long term relationships with private customers, yards, fellow architects and their personal, Vripack believes that Quality is the sum of Workmanship and Enthusiasm.

For more information, please contact Marnix Hoekstra (marnix@vripack.com) or Caroline van Rijswijk de Jong (caroline@vripack.com) at +31 (0)515  436600.