Integrated into the public transport network of the Nantes metropolis, the river shuttles which have crossed the Loire since 2005 will be gradually replaced by electrically powered catamarans, from the end of 2026.
After hydrogen, electric. Six years after the commissioning of a hydrogen-powered Navibus, sailing not on the Loire, but on the Erdre, Nantes Métropole is continuing the greening of its river transport fleet. The project to acquire five “eNavibus” intended for navigation in the Loire will thus be submitted to a vote by elected officials meeting in the metropolitan council on June 27 and 28.
“Two Navibus lines exist today on the Loire, mobilizing four diesel ships,” recalls the Métropole. In addition to the Gare Maritime – Trentemoult (N1) and Bas-Chantenay – Hangar à Bananes (N2) lines, the extension of the N2 line between Trentemoult and Bas-Chantenay will be added in 2025. “To support this strengthening of the Navibus offer, Nantes Métropole will obtain five catamaran-type ships, with electric propulsion, capable of accommodating 150 passengers and bicycles.” Current Navibuses can accommodate between 95 and 120 passengers.
An exploratory study was commissioned from the naval architecture firm Mauric for the implementation of these future electric ships, with thermal range extenders and rapid charging during stopovers. “The current pre-project studies must specify the technical specifications of these eNavibuses, as well as the adaptations to the quayside infrastructure, and in particular the charging equipment,” specifies Nantes Métropole. The forecast financial envelope for the completion of this market is 36 million euros. Delivery of the first boat is planned between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
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