Ferry electrification drive continues as Wärtsilä contracted for electric propulsion and waterjets
Operating on short routes, ferries are increasingly going electric (Source: Incat)
Wärtsilä will deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for two high-speed catamaran ferries ordered by Danish operator Molslinjen. The ferries are being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania. They will be fully battery-powered and represent a milestone for the Danish ferry industry in the move to decarbonised operations.
The Wärtsilä package will include the DC power conversion system, energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors, and the Wärtsilä ProTouch control system. The company says this combination will deliver safe reliable and efficient operations.
Each ferry will measure 129m by 30.5m, with capacity for 1483 passengers and 500 cars. The ships will operate on the Kattegat route and increase total passenger and car capacity on the line by more than 25%. Delivery is scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
“We’re not just building ships – we are building the future,” says Stephen Casey, CEO, Incat Tasmania. “Large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, but are ready now. The vessels address the market’s needs and requirements by utilising batteries, making this a very viable option for owners and operators looking to increase the sustainability of their fleets. Wärtsilä is a key player in the success of this project, supporting our goal of large-scale, low-emission transport with a completely integrated propulsion package.”
