By
Alex Smith |
Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) is to build three additional hybrid ferries for Schelpp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK).
SFK is currently in the process of renewing its fleet in line with environmental goals set by the city of Kiel, Germany. Kiel aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, with the replacement of the ferry fleet forming a part of this strategy.
The vessels will be identical in design to existing ferry Gaarden, which was delivered by HSG in July 2020. They will be equipped with a hybrid drivetrain that can be powered by either generators or by a battery bank. The first two ferries will be delivered in February and May 2022, followed by the final vessel at the beginning of 2026.
“HSG successfully prevailed in a European tender involving 12 other shipyards,” said Ansgar Stalder, operations manager at SFK. “The contract included four ferries but was split into a prototype with the option for three additional vessels. Since the Gaarden has been in service for several months and fullfilled her duties, SFK is confident to extend the contract as originally intended.”