Danish ferry operator Molslinjen will be deploying two new large electric ferries (e-ferries) as the first of several projects in the region that are exploring the electrification of a full range of maritime vessels, including product tankers.
The e-ferries, currently under construction in Türkiye, can carry up to 600 passengers and 118 vehicles and are intended for the relatively long Alslinjen (Fynshav-Bøjden) and Samsølinjen (Kalundborg-Ballen) routes.
The vessels come equipped with innovative digital technology, including autonomous docking and transit systems – a package that has pushed battery-powered vessels beyond previously accomplished limits.
Testing and certification firm Bureau Veritas (BV), which has been working with builders and operators throughout Scandinavia, said in a statement on Wednesday that the possibilities of electrification have multiplied with advances in battery technology.
The firm said shipbuilders and operators throughout the Nordic region were advancing electrification projects across the full spectrum of vessels.
"New battery systems can take ships further, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance burdens by optimising how engines and generators run," BV said in a statement.
"The instantaneous energy of electric-powered vessels also boosts ship performance.
“Safety can be enhanced as well, due to the additional redundancy provided by battery (hybrid) power systems – effectively providing power backup. Other benefits include lower machinery maintenance thanks to optimised running of engines and generators, and lower (or even zero) noise and vibrations," the company said.
BV said it had been involved in several projects in Scandinavia, electrifying both new and existing vessels through retrofitting.
"In addition to the Molslinjen project, we are classing the hybrid 15 000 deadweight ton dual fuel/methanol-prepared chemical tanker newbuilds for Swedish ship owner Terntank, which use batteries and shore-power to minimize emissions," the company said.
"We are also participating in multiple battery system retrofit projects on crew transfer vessels operated by Northern Offshore Services and a cable layer conversion by Norway's Seaworks.
The main challenge of the retrofit is to install and integrate the battery systems and to upgrade the on-board power distribution system for safe and efficient operation."
