By
Rebecca Gibson |
Siemens and the Norwegian shipyard Fjellstrand have developed the world’s first car ferry with an electric drive system. The vessel will enter service in January 2015 and operate between Lavik and Oppedal in Norway.
The 80-metre ship has the capacity for 120 cars and 360 passengers and has a battery-powered motor, giving an engine output of 800kW. On average, it will travel at a speed of 10 knots and require 400kW of battery power for the 20-minute journey. Facilities have been installed at Lavik and Oppedal to allow the ferry’s batteries to recharge during the 10-minute turnaround period at each port.
The lightweight vessel has been designed as a catamaran with two aluminium hulls, ensuring it offers less resistance in the water than a conventional car ferry and that it is energy-efficient. LED lighting, solar cells and other optimised systems will be used onboard the vessel to reduce energy consumption and conserve battery power.
Norwegian ferry operator, NORLED, has won a 10-year contract to manage the service and will also provide two conventional diesel-powered vessels on the route across the Sognefjord.