The electric ferry requires only 440kW to get around compared to a diesel equivalent which requires 1500kW
In this country where hundreds of boats connect every day the mainland to the various islands, ferry electric propulsion is a key issue. No wonder that Norway is the first country to launch the use of 100% electric ferry.
The boat is 80 meters long and 20 wide and can carry 120 vehicles and 360 passengers. Operated in Fjord Sognefjord, southwest of Norway, the first electric ferry connects the city of Lavik to Oppedal. For example, the use of a thermal ferry between the two cities annually represents a consumption of one million liters of diesel and the emission of 570 metric tons of carbon dioxide and 15 tons of oxides nitrogen.
A decisively innovative design
The batteries – Lithium polymer technology – that power the ferry display an energy capacity of 1,000 kWh and weigh not less than 10 tonnes. In full charge, the batteries only require 10 minutes which is one of the most remarkable points of this ferry conception. Each port is fitted with batteries that are slowly powered by the local network when the boat is not in activity.
The electric ferry requires only 440kw to get around compared to a diesel equivalent which requires 1500kW. The propulsion is provided by two electric motors with a power of 450 kilowatts, all this to achieve a cruising speed of 10 knots and a reduction in fuel cost up to 60%, according to Siemens.
A lower water resistance than a conventional ship
Developed with the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Transport, the ferry was specifically designed to meet the requirements of an electric drive system with a lower water resistance than a conventional ship. Similarly and in order to save weight, the hulls were made of aluminum instead of steel usually used. Put into service in May 2015, this ferry could be exported to other fjords and why not other countries. The electric motor is no longer a concept and should gradually win the tourism maritime transport sector, be it for pleasure barges but also for any boat making small daily trips and staying close to an electrical outlet.
