Holland Shipyards Group to supply two electric ferries to Boreal
Boreal has contracted Holland Shipyards Group for the delivery of two fully electric ferries. The vessels will be put into operation on the Abelnes-Andabeløy and Launes-Kvellandstrand routes in the Agder province, Norway.
The ferries will measure 49,80m by 14,70m and 29,80m by 10,20m, and will be able to transport 35 and 10 passenger cars respectively. The total amount of passengers on each ferry will be 146 and 96 persons.
In between trips, shore power will be used to rapidly recharge the ferries’ batteries, allowing day-round operations on electric power. For emergency cases, back-up generators are installed, which are capable of running on bio-diesel.
The design is made by Wärtsilä Ship Design, which has been contracted by Holland Shipyards Group for the Design Package. The Wärtsilä ship design is tailored to the operating and route profiles of the two double-ended shuttle ferries. Included in the design concept is the optimisation of energy consumption. In addition to the design, for each ferry Wärtsilä will supply the thruster motors, batteries, onboard and shore-based battery charging equipment, the back-up generators, and various electrical systems.
The two ferries mark a significant milestone for Holland Shipyards Group, further establishing its dominant position as a high-end ferry builder in Western Europe. With an orderbook containing several variations of electrical ferries, the yard is proud to be part of the solution towards a greener future for the maritime industry.
The vessels are expected to enter service in the second half of 2021.