World's first electrically-powered car ferry

Tue 15 Jan 2013, 09:56 GMT

World's first electrically-powered car ferry

Vessel's batteries will be recharged in the breaks between crossings.

Norwegian shipyard Fjellstrand and Siemens have developed the world's first electrically-powered car ferry [pictured]. The 80-meter vessel can carry 120 cars and 360 passengers.

From 2015 onwards, the vessel will serve the route between Lavik and Oppedal, across the Sognefjord - the largest fjord in Norway. The ship's batteries will be recharged in the breaks between crossings, a procedure which only takes 10 minutes.

The vessel currently serving this route uses on average one million liters of diesel a year and emits 570 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide and 15 metric tonnes of nitrogen oxides.

The electrically-powered ferry was developed for submission to a competition organized by Norway's Ministry of Transport. As a reward for winning the competition, the shipping company Norled has been granted the license to operate the route until 2025.

Ferry Milestone Norway


		NE Atlantic ECA will cause significant change to the current fuel mix \| Steve Bee, VPS The possibility of off-spec issues highlights the continuing need for proactive fuel testing to protect vessels.

		Smart ships failing to convert data into actionable intelligence, warns SmartSea Maritime technology firm claims vessels collect vast amounts of data but lack integration to support decision-making.

		DNV forecasts 100-fold growth in clean hydrogen by 2060, with China leading expansion Classification society projects $3.2tn investment in hydrogen sector, with maritime accounting for 15% of clean hydrogen use.

		Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet surpasses 1,200 vessels World Shipping Council reports 65% year-on-year increase in operational dual-fuel vessels to 440 ships.

		European Shipowners calls for ETS revenue investment and fuel supplier mandate ECSA urges the EU to invest €9bn in annual ETS revenues in fuel production and infrastructure.

		Singapore bunker industry urged to prioritise resilience and collaboration SSA committee vice chair highlights energy security and crisis readiness at Marine Fuels Forum 2026.

		TFG Marine receives bunker safety award from Singapore maritime authority Marine fuel supplier recognised for safety standards and operational performance at MPA Marine Fuel Forum.

		Bunker surveyor sought in Rotterdam to meet increased demand Dutch firm MCE Marine Surveyors is recruiting for a quantitative fuel inspection role.

		GCMD highlights BHP biofuel trials to address scaling challenges in maritime decarbonisation Mining company discusses need for traceability and coordinated progress across supply, cost and operational readiness.

		Peninsula implements energy efficiency measures across bunker supply fleet Marine fuel supplier focusing on data-driven upgrades and operational measures to cut consumption.