SFK orders additional electric ferry
Electric ferry Düsternbrook, delivered to SFK in May (Source: Holland Shipyards)
German ferry and towage operator Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft Kiel (SFK) has ordered one more fully electric harbour ferry from Hardinxveld-Giessendam-based Holland Shipyards Group.
The design of the additional ferry, to be named Wellingdorf, is similar to a previously ordered vessel named Düsternbrook. The ferry, for operation in the German port of Kiel, will measure 24.7m in length and 6.5m in breadth and will be completely emission-free. It will entirely be powered by battery power with an installed capacity of 1,092 kWh. Besides the battery pack the vessel has 20 solar panels on the roof to contribute power to the on-board electrical system.
The Wellingdorf is expected to enter service in mid-2022. Together with Düsternbrook, delivered in May, the two vessels replace older ferries and have been ordered under the environmental goals set by SFK and the city of Kiel. The city of Kiel aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 and expects shipping to play a major part in this shift.
