Sembcorp Marine Delivers Second Zero-Emission Battery-Powered Ferry to Norled

Singapore-based Sembcorp Marine has delivered its second of three battery-operated roll-on/roll-off (RoPax) passenger ferries to Norwegian ferry operator Norled.

The zero-emission vessel, based on a proprietary design developed by Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned subsidiary LMG Marin AS, will be capable of operating at a service speed of 10 knots, powered by lithium-ion batteries which are charged using green hydro-electric power. The ferry can also run on a combined battery-diesel hybrid backup mode as required.

The ferry, named Dragsvik, is optimized to meet Norled’s operational requirements with energy-efficient features including quick-connection shore charging plugs, auto-mooring and auto-cross capabilities, efficient hull, propulsion and heat recovery systems as well as minimised hotel and auxiliary load solutions.

The 82.4-metre long multi-deck, double-ended ferry has capacity for 300 persons as well as 80 cars or a combination of up to 10 cars and 10 trailer trucks.

Dragsvik will eventually join Hella, the first sister ship built by Sembcorp Marine, currently in operation on Norled’s shortsea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik route. Hella departed Singapore in March 2022 and successfully commenced service in May 2022.

Both ferries will join Norled’s sustainable fleet of innovative zero-emission vessels and contribute to the maritime industry’s decarbonization.

Norled took delivery of its first zero-emission ferry, MS Ampere, in 2014. Ampere was designed and built by Fjellstrand shipyard, located on the southwest coast of Norway, with battery technology provided by Siemens. In September 2014, the vessel won the prestigious “Ship of the Year” award at the SMM trade show in Hamburg, Germany. You can see pictures of the ferry’s battery and charging systems here.

“We are heartened to witness the application of our proven zero-emission design and hydro-electrification technology in the second battery-operated Ropax ferry built by the Group,” said LMG Marin Managing Director Mr Torbjorn Bringedal. “The vessel has been optimised to meet Norled’s green operating requirements and will contribute to the firm’s sustainable fleet operations when it goes into service.”

The third zero-emission Ropax ferry built by Sembcorp Marine is scheduled for completion at the end of 2022.