The newbuild is the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ferry and will operate between Norway and Sweden
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein Verft has successfully delivered Color Hybrid, the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ferry, to Color Line.
Designed by Fosen, the 160-metre-long Color Hybrid accommodates 2,000 passengers and 500 cars and will operate between Sandefjord, Norway and Strømstad, Sweden. The vessel will be powered by diesel engines from Rolls-Royce and five-megawatt electric batteries from Siemens, which can be recharged within one hour via onboard generators or Color Line’s shore power facilities in Sandefjord. Color Hybrid will switch to battery power when sailing through Sandefjord to eliminate noise and emissions.
Color Hybrid’s other green features include a system that uses heat from both the wake and the exhaust for heating the vessel, as well as an optimally designed hull.
“With broad maritime expertise, our skilled and committed employees have made a great effort to complete Color Hybrid,” said Gunvor Ulstein, CEO of Ulstein Group. “We would like to express our gratitude to Color Line for a good and constructive collaboration throughout the construction period. We are pleased that the ship is ready for operation and that passengers very soon can experience traveling with Color Hybrid.”
Over 70% of the suppliers are from the maritime cluster in Norway. For example, Color Hybrid has propellers and gears from Brunvoll; HVAC systems and fridge/freezers from Teknotherm; vacuum toilets from Jets Group; liferafts from Mare Safety; switchboards from Clean Marine; navigation and communication systems from Kongsberg Maritime; and communications systems from Ulstein Power & Control. In addition, R og M delivered the accommodation and galley, while Baggerød supplied the interior doors, Norac installed the wet units and Glamox provided lighting fixtures. Other suppliers involved in the project included Alfa Laval, Ahlsell, Allweiler, Elpro, Libra, Palfinger and Viking life-Saving Equipment.
“The construction of the world’s largest plug-in hybrid vessel is in line with the company’s ambitions for further development of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for Norwegian shipping,” said Trond Kleivdal, Color Line CEO.