Our solar ferry in The Gambia
Location
Banjul, Gambia
Project partner
Fraunhofer HHI
Field
Sustainable mobility
Clean mobility on the River Gambia
In Gambia, mobility in many regions is associated with structural challenges. Limited capacity and inefficient processes make the reliable transport of people and goods difficult and often lead to delays in everyday life.
With a solar-powered ferry, VoltaViewAfrica is developing a sustainable solution that specifically complements existing transport systems. The use of renewable energy and modern propulsion technology enables more efficient and lower-emission operation.
This creates an approach that not only makes mobility in The Gambia more reliable, but also demonstrates how climate-friendly infrastructure can be put into practice.
The Gambia River
The Gambia River, which is around 400 km long, presents a major obstacle to north-south transport along the West African coast.
Currently, there are only a few ways to cross the river:
- a ferry service between Banjul and Barra
- a bridge near Farafenni, which connects Senegal across the Gambia
Particularly on the vital route between Banjul and Barra, limited capacity and a small number of ferries frequently result in long waiting times for passengers.
Our objectives
The aim of the project is to test and further develop the use of solar-electric propulsion technologies in ferry operations in a practical setting.
The ferry is intended to demonstrate how transport solutions can be made more efficient and lower in emissions without having to completely replace existing infrastructure. At the same time, an approach is being pursued that can contribute to more stable and better-planned transport operations in the long term.
Furthermore, the project contributes to reducing the use of fossil fuels in the mobility sector and strengthens the prospects for climate-friendly infrastructure development.
Our support
As part of the project, VoltaViewAfrica is developing concrete technical solutions for solar-electric ferry operations. The ferry is powered by two electric motors, each with an output of 10 kW, and supplied with energy via photovoltaics.
A sodium-ion battery storage system with a capacity of 40 kWh ensures stable operation even when sunlight levels fluctuate and enables a completely emission-free propulsion system.
With a speed of around 10 km/h and a capacity of up to 30 passengers, the ferry is designed for efficient, everyday use.
