Norwegian ferry operator Kolumbus has signed a contract with shipbuilder Fjellstrand for the development and construction of an all-electric, high-speed ferry, with construction due to start in May 2021.
The TrAM project (Transport – Advanced and Modular), led by Kolumbus, is receiving economic support from the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, in order to develop new methods for design and production of zero-emission passenger vessels. The project’s goal is to reduce investment costs and delivery time for future zero-emission vessels for inshore passenger transportation.
The operator says the vessel will commence service on its route from the city of Stavanger to Byøyene and Hommersåk in a test period in 2022. It is claimed the ship will be the world’s first all-battery-driven fast ferry built in accordance with the HSC regulations.
The builders say it will be classed by DNVGL and approved for operations above 20kts by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. Constructed around an aluminum hull, top speed will be 23kts and the vessel will be capable of carrying 147 passengers. Details of the battery and propulsion system are yet to be revealed.