By
Laura Hyde |
Wärtsilä is to supply a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for a third high-speed ferry being built by Incat Tasmania for Danish operator Molslinjen.
The Finnish marine and energy company will also supply the DC power conversion system and its energy management and automation systems, and the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system, which will enable smooth and efficient sailing.
The eight electric driven propulsion motors and waterjet configuration features low weight, shallow draft operation and low maintenance. It also includes integrated steering and reversing for quick manoeuvrability response times. The waterjet system has been designed for the highest overall propulsion efficiency as the power is divided over more jets, enabling the power density to be lower, delivering higher efficiency.
“Our commitment is to have fully sustainable ferry operations,” said Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen. “Wärtsilä’s electrification technology will enable us to make harmful smoke emissions a thing of the past, and we had no hesitation in opting for their solutions again for this third ferry.”
Incat Tasmania is building three ferries for Molslinjen with each vessel accommodating up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars. The Wärtsilä equipment for the third vessel is scheduled for delivery to the shipyard in 2027.
“Electrification is very much the future for ferry operators around the world, and battery- based propulsion is a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets,” said Stephen Casey, CEO of Incat Tasmania. “Large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, but are ready and available today. Incat Tasmania supports this trend through its record of pioneering new technology and design.”
All three ferries will operate on the Kattegat route, which connects Jutland (Aarhus/Ebeltoft) with Zealand (Odden) in Denmark, and are expected to join the Molslinjen fleet in 2027 and 2028.
“This series of battery-electric ships highlights the ferry industry’s focus towards decarbonised operations,” said Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine and executive vice president at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Wärtsilä is similarly committed to supporting the decarbonisation of shipping, and our technology reflects our emphasis on sustainability, innovation and performance. The move towards net-zero emissions is well underway, and we at Wärtsilä are proud to be at the forefront of this transition.”