Built by Oshima Shipbuilding, the 340 tonne vessel, e-Oshima, uses GS Yuasa lithium-ion storage batteries as its only propelling power source, as well as for all additional power required during operations.
The ocean-going passenger ferry is the first of its kind in Japan and has an impressive capacity of 50 people, one large bus and four cars.  Being battery-powered means the zero-emission vessel emits no CO2, either while in motion or at anchor.  It also helps reduce noise and vibration.
At 35 metres long, e-Oshima is equipped with an automatic ship handling system and aims to establish functions such as channel maintenance and collision prevention, while being utilised as a company’s customer pick-up ship.
In addition to providing motive power, GS Yuasa’s high capacity lithium-ion batteries (approximately 600kWh) supply power for communications, navigation, radio equipment and air conditioning.  They also play an important role in the ferry’s labour-saving automatic navigation function, which employs next-generation IoT technologies and has enhanced safety features.
The vessel can be charged in around two and a half hours and the battery system includes management equipment that provides multiple layers of redundant protection for the batteries.
GS Yuasa lithium-ion cells have optimal design for marine operations, which require highly efficient charging and discharging.  They have high energy density and long life plus a track record of being installed in numerous high-profile, special applications, including deep sea submarines, the International Space Station and the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner.