A fully electric zero-emission passenger vessel, Future of the Fjords, has been launched in Norway. It is the result of a collaboration between several industry partners that wanted to develop an environmentally conscious, no emissions vessel.
Comprising an electric propulsion system and a Power Dock floating charging station that can take on grey and black water to ensure no sewage discharge into the pristine waters between Flåm and Gudvangen, confirms The Fjords CEO, Rolf Sandvik. The Power Dock was developed in partnership with Brødrene Aa, the company that also constructed the vessel, to charge the 2.4 MWh battery pack on board the vessel by connecting to the local electricity grid. The Future of the Fjords will be able to recharge itself in around 20 minutes using this method.
“We believe this vessel sets new standards: demonstrating to maritime players worldwide that it is possible to have beautiful, functional, efficient and green vessels, as long as there’s both the necessary commitment and a team to help realize your goals. We were lucky enough to have the best minds in the business on our team, and you can see the result of that today,” said Mr. Sanvik.
When it set sail on May 15, the vessel carried passengers through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Nærøyfjord, Norway. The NOK 144m vessel is owned and operated by The Fjords.
The 42m long carbon fibre vessel has space for 400 passengers and will make around 700 trips per year, sailing at around 16 knots maximum speed.
The Future of the Fjords is the sister ship to the Vision of the Fjords, a diesel-electric hybrid vessel launched in 2016.
Involved in the development of the zero-emission vessel were Fjord1 and Flåm AS, the joint owners of the Fjords. They provided the commitment and funding to build the vessel. Brødrene Aa designed and built the vessel from carbon fibre composites and developed the Power Dock, while DNV GL provided advisory and class services throughout the process.
Other companies involved include Enova, a Norwegian organization promoting low emission solutions. Enova provided funding of NOK 17.8m to help bring the vessel to fruition and 6.9m for the Power Dock solution. The NGO Bellona Foundation acted as a project consultant and supporter, while Westcon Power & Automation tailored the vessel’s all electric propulsion and battery system.
Servogear, a specialist in the design and manufacture of controllable pitch propeller systems worked with key project partners to create the optimal product and configuration for the Future of The Fjords.
“I’d like to take this chance to thank all of our suppliers and partners for playing vital roles within this project,” said Mr. Sandvik. “This is a team success and we sincerely hope they’re as proud of Future of The Fjords as we are.”