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In leading the global energy revolution, Ampcontrol knows we have a responsibility to use our innovation and smarts to create new ideas to achieve the goal of net zero by 2050. Utilising our skills and collaborating with other industry experts, we’re already making waves through the next generation Ampcontrol Marine Plug-in Hybrid Power System that has been installed into a 43-foot Steber International vessel.
The hybrid boat project is an example of how our initiatives are supporting the energy transition and building growth in regional areas, with a particular focus on workforce development.
The Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Australian Labor Party, Federal Member for Shortland, met with representatives from Ampcontrol and Steber International at our Cameron Park site on 1 September 2023 to discuss the hybrid boat project and the opportunities for marine technology. Dr. Steve Mitchell, Ampcontrol Engineering Manager, and Alan Steber, Steber International Managing Director, presented to Hon. Pat Conroy MP on the capabilities achieved through the collaboration of Ampcontrol and Steber International.
“Ready access to recharging systems for long range journeys is not currently practicable. Hybrid power technology is the logical next step in the energy transition of the marine space. Given the growing expertise of Ampcontrol in this area, it is an exciting business opportunity for us to collaborate with Steber and help drive emission reductions in this critical transportation sector,” says Dr. Steve Mitchell.
L to R: Paul Reynolds; Steve Mitchell, Ampcontrol Engineering Manager; Ben Semple, Ampcontrol Product Engineer & Alan Steber, Steber International Managing Director
Through collaboration and partnership, the concept of a noticeably quieter, hybrid boat without any range anxiety became a reality. Ampcontrol, Steber International and the University of Newcastle joined forces and utilised grants to develop a 22-foot prototype vessel. After successful testing of the prototype, the technology used in the 22-foot vessel was repurposed and fit into the 43-foot vessel.
During the presentation, discussions were had regarding the possibility of refurbishing existing 43-foot Defence Maritime Services workboats and potentially using this technology outside of a marine vessel. This would create a cost-effective feature to upgrade existing vessels that are currently at the end of their life.
“We would like to repower the old Steber general purpose workboats with this new green technology. As a small team with a big heart and a big shed, we’d like to see our team stepping into the future,” says Alan Steber.
The Hybrid Propulsion System for Surface Craft Reducing Operational Expenditure and Emissions has been shortlisted for the National and SME Innovation Award at the Indo Pacific 2023 Innovation Awards on 7-9 November 2023 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney NSW.
