By
Alex Smith |
Stena Line is to begin operating two battery-powered vessels on the route between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn in Denmark before 2030.
The company’s CEO Niclas Mårtensson announced the plans in a press conference for industry collaboration project the Tranzero Initiative in Gothenburg. Stena Line has joined Volvo Group, Scania and the Port of Gothenberg in the project, which aims to reduce carbon emissions linked to the port by 70 per cent by 2030.
“We now move from vision to vessel with the battery powered vessel Stena Elektra,” said Mårtensson. Within a year we will present the outline specifications and at the latest by 2025 we plan to order the first vessel. This will be a huge step towards fossil-free shipping.”
Stena Elektra will be the world’s first fossil fuel-free ro-pax vessel, according to Stena Line. She will measure around 200 metres in length and will have capacity for 1,000 passengers. The vessel will be built from high tensile steel to lower the weight and increase efficiency, and it is estimated that she will be able to run on battery power for approximately 50 nautical miles, the distance between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn.
To achieve this distance, the battery capacity will need to be approximately 60-70 MWh and be charged while the ship is in port. Stena Line is also investigating the possibility of combining electrification with other alternative fossil free fuels such as fuel cells, hydrogen and bio methanol to give the vessels a greater reach.
“The electrification of shipping has only just began,” said Mårtensson. “We see a great potential for both battery hybrids and battery powered vessels on several of our short-sea shipping routes in the future. But we also need to develop the infrastructure and charging possibilities in the ports and terminals at the same pace, and that is a reason why collaborations projects like the Tranzero Initiative are so important.”