Castalia is a 100% electric multipurpose workboat built by SYM Naval. Fitted with Blue Propulsion, the electric propulsion system developed by the shipyard itself, it carries out port services running solely on batteries, with no exhaust emissions.
At 12.5 metres long and 5 metres wide, it combines mooring assistance, MARPOL waste collection and the transport of personnel and supplies. Its electrical installation integrates 500 kWh of LFP batteries and two 240 kW permanent magnet motors.
It is the first zero-emission multipurpose vessel designed to support a range of port operations, and was presented as such at PortCastelló in October 2023.
Two permanent magnet electric motors, powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, allow the vessel to work with zero exhaust emissions and less propulsion noise.
Up to 10 hours of operation per charge, depending on the duty profile: endurance varies with the services performed and the day’s energy demand. The batteries are charged from shore.
A remote monitoring system lets the shore base check the remaining operating endurance and other key operating data of the vessel.
The installation includes battery supervision and gas detection as part of its safety systems.
Castalia supports port operations in the Port of Castellón. Its multipurpose configuration allows a single vessel to handle different services:
Electric propulsion allows these tasks to be carried out with zero exhaust emissions and less noise during port operations.
| Vessel type | Multipurpose harbour workboat |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | 100% electric, with Blue Propulsion |
| Length overall | 12.5 m |
| Beam | 5 m |
| Depth | 2.4 m |
| Batteries | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), 500 kWh |
| Motors | 2 × 240 kW permanent magnet electric motors |
| Propeller | Fixed pitch (FPP) |
| Steering | Rudder with high-performance flap |
| Speed | 7 knots |
| Operating endurance | Up to 10 hours per charge, depending on the duty profile |
| Crew and passengers | 2 + 12 |
| MARPOL liquid waste | 30 m³ |
Castalia is an in-service reference for Blue Propulsion, the system that integrates electric motors, LFP batteries and energy management for vessel propulsion. SYM Naval builds it into its newbuild projects from the design stage, including its electric harbour tugs.
For vessels in service, SYM Naval carries out the conversion to electric propulsion or supplies the complete system, with a configuration adapted to each vessel’s operation.
