The delivery of the second of three identical battery-operated roll-on/roll-off passenger (ro-pax) ferries to Norwegian ferry operator Norled has been completed by Sembcorp Marine.
The vessel, named Dragsvik, has been built based on plans designed by LMG Marin, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are charged using green hydro-electric power, and is capable of zero-emission operations. The ro-pax ferry can operate at a service speed of 10kts and can also run-on combined battery-diesel hybrid power in a backup mode if required.
To further improve the vessel’s environmentally friendly credentials and to meet Norled’s operational requirements, Dragsvik features quick-connection shore charging plugs, auto-mooring and auto-cross capabilities, an efficient hull design, propulsion and heat recovery systems and minimized hotel and auxiliary load solutions.
Upon entering service, Dragsvik will join its sister ship Hella – also built by Sembcorp Marine – which is currently serving routes on Norled’s shortsea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connections in Finland. The double-ended ferry features an 82.4m-long multi-deck, and has the capacity to carry 300 passengers and 80 cars or a combination of up to 10 cars and 10 trailer trucks.
“We are heartened to witness the application of our proven zero-emission design and hydro-electrification technology in the second battery-operated ro-pax ferry built by the group,” said Torbjorn Bringedal, managing director, LMG Marin. “The vessel has been optimized to meet Norled’s green operating requirements and will contribute to the firm’s sustainable fleet operations when it goes into service.”
“Sembcorp Marine is well-positioned to support the global shift toward a greener and low-carbon future with our strong track record and diversified capabilities in offshore renewables, new energy and cleaner O&M solutions,” added Wong Weng Sun, president and CEO, Sembcorp Marine. “This latest ro-pax ferry project is a testament to our demonstrated capabilities to harness green technology and to provide sustainable products and renewable energy solutions for our customer and the industry.”
The third ro-pax ferry in the build series is scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.