Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to deliver fully integrated electric propulsion systems with waterjets for two new high-speed catamaran ferries being built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen.

The battery-electric vessels are being constructed at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania, with Wärtsilä supplying the integrated electric propulsion system, DC power conversion system, energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, as well as the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system.

The ferries will serve the Kattegat route between Denmark and Sweden. According to Molslinjen, the project aims to remove thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions from Denmark's climate footprint each year.

"This is a major project that supports the ferry industry's move towards more decarbonised operations. With these electric ferries built by Incat and powered by Wärtsilä's electrification technology, we aim to remove thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions from Denmark's climate footprint each year," commented Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen.

The two ferries will each measure 129 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width, accommodating up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars. The addition of these vessels will increase total capacity for cars and passengers on the Kattegat route by more than 25%, according to Wärtsilä.

Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine and Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation, commented: "Our partnership with Molslinjen and Incat not only brings electric vessels to the Kattegat route, but also continues our joint commitment in accelerating the industry's path towards net-zero emissions shipping."

Holm noted that Wärtsilä has delivered solutions for 150 hybrid-electric ships, with this number continuing to grow.