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August 28, 2022
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4 min read

Electric propulsion lets Norway ferry passengers hear the sounds of the fjords

Reference
Drive industry decarbonization

Whisper-quiet electric and hybrid propulsion systems from Siemens Energy can cut vessel fuel consumption, emissions, and costs up to 90 percent

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Reducing maritime emissions to fight climate change

When passengers on the Bastø Electric, the world’s largest all-electric car ferry, cross the Oslo Fjord, they can enjoy the mountain views, salt air, and sounds of waves and gulls in relative quiet.  The noise, fumes, and vibration of traditional diesel engines are gone. 

Climate change demands urgent action. And these technologies can revolutionize the maritime sector, which generates three percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In fact, 81 percent of the world's 91,000 ships are small or medium-size vessels with decades-old, fossil-fueled propulsion systems. Fortunately, with today's advanced propulsion technologies, their operators can convert them to electric or hybrid electric to save fuel, maintenance, and GHG emissions.

Of course, in maritime propulsion applications, no one size fits all. That is why we offer tailor-made electric and hybrid systems for vessels of all kinds. Battery hybrid solutions, for example, can save up to 90 percent in fuel consumption, emissions, and costs. All with less noise — not only in Norway’s fjords but around the world.

Maybe it's a small piece we can do, but what we see ist that people have passion for this and if everyone does a little - this can make a big impact on the world.

Svein Erik Wasskaas

Adm. Captain Bastø Electric

Potential on reducing ferry emissions by electrification

Decarbonizing marine transport

A study on the electrification of the European Ferry Fleet

A study conducted by Siemens Energy and the non-profit environmental organization Bellona shows that Europe can reduce CO₂ emissions in key countries by nearly 50 percent. This would save 800.000 tons of CO₂ each year, thanks to already available technologies.  

World's largest all-electric car ferry

Bastø Fosen’s investments in electrification of their fleet – with large battery packs and lightning-fast charging systems – means  that the company will reduce its CO2 emissions by 75 percent in 2022 – reducing their diesel consumption by six million liters per year.

References

"Elektra" – the newest member of the electric ferry fleet
  • In June 2017, the Elektra began regular operation between Nauvo and Parainen in the Turku archipelago. Europe's largest car ferry. At nearly 98 meters long and 16 meters wide, the Elektra can transport up to 90 cars per trip.
  • Battery packs, which are charged via the land-based charging stations in the harbor for use by the ferry, serve as the primary source of energy, with Diesel engines used as emergency power units. 
  • The batteries will be charged in roughly five minutes while cars move off and onto the ferry. The two lithium-ion batteries each have a capacity of 530 kWh.
A restaurant ship with eco-friendly hybrid propulsion
  • The event boat MS Diamant is equipped with the innovative hybrid propulsion system Ecoprop which can be modulated in different configurations depending on the needs and navigation maneuvers.
  • Fuel consumption cut up to 25%, savings maintenance costs 40-60%.
  • Emission and noise levels drastically reduced.
The world's first electrical car and passenger ferry
  • ”Ampere” is the world's first electrical car and passenger ferry powered by batteries – operated by Norwegian ship owner Norled.
  • Built in conjunction with shipbuilder Fjellstrand, Siemens Energy installed the complete electric propulsion system and put up charging stations with lithium-ion batteries which are charged from hydro power.
  • Due to the change to battery, the ship owner Norled reduces the cost of fuel by up to 60%.