With sustainability at the top of the agenda for passenger shipping operators, many are considering alternative forms of propulsion that have the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of the industry. From biofuels to wind power, there are a wide variety of options currently being explored by operators across the world.
Taking the lead, however, is battery power. While batteries would once have been unable to provide sufficient capacity for even short-distance shipping routes without being prohibitively expensive, rapid development has taken today’s technology to the point that ferry operators are making battery-powered vessels a central part of their plans for their future fleets.
In Canada, BC Ferries has been a leader in introducing battery electric vessels, with six hybrid battery-electric vessels already in service. The Island-class ferries are designed to operate entirely on battery power, with diesel engines retained to give them the flexibility to also operate on routes without necessary charging infrastructure. Four more Island-class ferries are under construction, with the first scheduled to be delivered in 2027.
“BC Ferries’ fully electric vessels are a critical part of the company’s broader strategy to reduce corporate emissions by 2030,” says Nicolas Jimenez, CEO of BC Ferries. “The four new Island-class vessels, scheduled to begin arriving in British Columbia by 2027, will contribute to this goal by eliminating approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. This will advance BC Ferries’ transition from hybrid to fully electric operations as renewable shore power infrastructure becomes more accessible.”
BC Ferries is also planning to introduce a new, larger class of electric vessels. The five new ships will initially be diesel battery hybrids, utilising bio and renewable diesel alongside batteries, before being converted to full battery power once infrastructure has been developed sufficiently.
“This represents the most flexible and financially viable option to futureproof the vessels for electrified service,” says Jimenez. “By utilising bio and renewable diesel initially, we’re able to minimise emissions now while preparing for all-electric operations as infrastructure evolves. This strategy not only aligns with our environmental commitments but also positions BC Ferries as a leader in sustainable maritime transportation.”
Europe-based ferry line DFDS, on the other hand, is planning to have six battery electric ferries in operation by 2025, with the new vessels forming a significant part of its sustainability strategy. The operator is taking advantage of the relatively short distance of its cross-Channel routes between the UK and France to enable the use of fully electric vessels.
“The vessels will operate on the Dunkirk-Dover and Calais-Dover routes, carrying passengers and freight between the UK and the European Union,” says Mathieu Giradin, executive vice president of the ferry division at DFDS. “Electrifying our cross-Channel fleet will be an important step towards meeting our climate change targets, and we have committed to having two electric vessels in service by 2030, with the remainder to follow before 2035.”
High-speed electric ferries are also beginning to break into the market. Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel Ferries has worked with Artemis Technology to develop the Artemis EF-24, an electric foiling vessel which the partners say will reduce the operator’s annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 4,150 tonnes. The project has now entered the delivery phase, with the ferry beginning construction.
“Throughout our long history, Red Funnel has been proud to pioneer new technology, and our commitment to being brave and finding new ways to put the Isle of Wight on the map has been at the heart of our success,” says Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel. “We are extremely excited to embark on this journey together and are delighted to be working with Artemis Technologies at the forefront of sustainable ferry travel, paving the way for generations to come.”
Uber Boat by Thames Clipper also introduced the UK’s first fully electric cross-river ferry, Orbit Clipper. Constructed by the Wight Shipyard Company, the 150-passenger vessel is now sailing across the Thames in London seven days a week.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ CEO Sean Collins and COO Geoff Symonds on Orbit Clipper during its construction
“This zero-emission solution also comes after the recent launch of our third hybrid boat – Mars Clipper – into our main river bus fleet and is the next step on our journey to advancing sustainable maritime technology,” says Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. “The Thames is the lifeblood of our great capital and it’s our ambition to continue to push for further progression along the river – we’re calling upon London’s maritime businesses and government bodies to collaborate and ensure a greener future for all.”
Jimenez also highlights the need for collaboration in order to construct the necessary charging infrastructure to support the introduction of battery-powered vessels.
“Before we can transition our new class of vessels to electrified service, we need to establish the infrastructure required to charge the vessels,” he says. “Ongoing conversations continue regarding the future electricity needs of BC Ferries and what is involved in electrifying our major terminals for grid-ready shore charging. We’re working closely with BC Hydro to ensure we’re ready to move forward when the time is right.”
Giradin is also clear that, despite their ambitions, DFDS and other operators require the support of onshore partners.
“Simply put, we cannot do this on our own,” says Giradin. “We need sufficient power supply from sustainable sources on land and infrastructure to accommodate charging facilities in ports. This is why collaboration is key to making the transition to low emission transport.”
Building ships sustainably
Damen, Incat Tasmania and Wartsila discuss their respective roles in building the battery-powered ferry fleet of the future
Incat Tasmania
Building Incat Hull 096 – the world’s largest electric ferry – presents numerous challenges, from the engineering complexity of installing 250 tonnes of batteries to ensuring the vessel remains lightweight while meeting safety and performance standards. However, these challenges are far outweighed by the ground-breaking opportunities this project provides. As a world first, the ferry sets a benchmark for sustainable maritime transport, demonstrating that large-scale passenger and vehicle ferries can operate without relying on fossil fuels.
Incat is at the forefront of developing lightweight, battery-powered vessels and will deliver several projects that push the boundaries of maritime innovation in the coming years. With growing environmental pressures and increasing demand for zero-emission transport, it expects a significant rise in ferry operators specifying electric vessels. Incat Hull 096 not only advances the future of sustainable shipping but also redefines the role of ferries in reducing global carbon emissions, positioning electric ferries as a standard for the industry moving forward.
Incat Hull 096 – the world’s largest electric ferry – is currently under construction
Damen
Damen embarked on the construction of battery powered ferries in 2018 with the seven City Ferries for Arriva in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then, Damen started six more projects. On all but one of these projects, Damen was also involved in the supply of shore charging infrastructure. The growth curve in the need for battery powered ferries has been steep in the past years. The challenges with all projects have included deploying shore power on the dock side in a timely manner and ensure its seamless connection to the vessels’ communication systems, for instance. There is obviously a high dependency on local regulators, communities, and energy suppliers. Battery technology has moved towards more economical options, but the need for lightweight, high-density batteries remains. Another important aspect is the shift in skills, from traditional diesel technology towards electronics and automation. These are two very different trades, and having the right skills is the key to success.
Wärtsilä
Wärtsilä is pioneering the transition to lightweight battery-electric ferries, with electric propulsion systems achieving up to 90 per cent efficiency due to minimal system losses. The company was commissioned to power the world’s largest lightweight battery-electric ship for Buquebús, built by Incat Tasmania, as well as provide the shore charging solutions for both harbours. It will also be converting two Scandlines ferries to plug-in hybrid operation, enabling 80 per cent of crossing energy to come from electricity. For ferries operating shorter routes, full electrification allows operators to achieve substantial emissions reductions, especially when combined with shore-based charging using renewable energy. This technology is particularly effective for shuttle ferries, dramatically cutting both operational costs and environmental impact.
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