Rolls-Royce’s Azipull System Selected for Battery-Powered ‘Ferry of The Future’

Illustration of ‘ferry of the future’

Rolls-Royce has signed a contract for the delivery of their Azipull propulsion and control system for the ‘ferry of the future’, a new vessel which will operate solely on battery power.

The vessel is being built at the Fjellstrand yard in Norway, and once in service will be operated by Norwegian transport company Norled between Lavik and Oppedal.

In 2010, the Norwegian Ministry of Transport announced a tender to develop a new ferry that was 15 to 20 percent more energy efficient than existing vessels. Rolls-Royce’s energy efficient Azipull propulsion system utilizes azimuthing pulling propellers as opposed to conventional azimuth thrusters.

Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President – Merchant said: “The combination of good maneuverability and reduced energy consumption provides a highly efficient ferry for Norled, with significantly reduced operating costs and improved environmental performance. This contract also marks the tenth anniversary of the delivery of our very first Azipull thrusters, which was also to Fjellstrand shipyard.”

The ferry will have a capacity of 120 cars and 360 passengers, and will operate at a speed of about 10 knots. The ferry will charge its lithium-ion batteries while loading or unloading cars, and overnight when moored along the quay.

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