Zero-emission vessels will operate daily services in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyards Group is to build and deliver five fully electric, zero-emission passenger ferries for multinational public transport company Arriva Danmark.
All five newbuilds will be powered by electric batteries that will eliminate emissions and minimise both onboard noise and vibrations. They will also feature a steel hull with strong fenders to ensure reliable operations and to lower maintenance requirements.
Damen will tailor the vessels so they can dock bow-first at Copenhagen’s existing jetties. The company will also install fast charging points at the jetties to enable the ferries to recharge their batteries in just seven minutes.
Each ferry will accommodate 80 passengers in a seating area set low in the water to offer protection from the wind.The vessels will have large windows and a glazed roof to enable passengers to enjoy the scenery, as well as a raised wheelhouse to provide crew members with the best possible view of the waterways.
“Throughout the tender process, the collaboration between all parties has been excellent,” said Martin Verstraaten, Damen’s sales manager. “Combining Arriva’s operational knowledge with our shipbuilding experience has delivered a design that answers all the needs of this project; a zero-emission, low maintenance solution that offers real value for money.”
The ferries will be operated by Arriva’s client, Danish public transport agency MOVIA, in Copenhagen for 16 hours per day over a period of 12 years.
“We are very proud and honored to play our part in assisting the city as it strives to meet its target of zero emissions in public transport in the coming years,” said Torben Hansen, director Bus of Arriva Danmark. “This new vessel order is perfectly aligned with our role at the forefront of the switch from diesel to electric power. Damen has proven to be the right partner for this project. Its experience with fully electric vessels has positioned the company to support and advise us in our mission to provide the city of Copenhagen with clean, safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation.”