A new concept for a series of low or zero emissions shuttle ferries is to be launched by Wärtsilä.
The concept will focus on designing ferries that are highly efficient, have low resistance above and below the water line, and will be designed to run entirely on batteries or in a battery-engine hybrid configuration with liquefied natural gas (LNG) or biofuel as the option.
According to Wärtsilä, this concept will reduce fuel consumption between 50-100%. Through plug-in operation fuel consumption is reduced by 100% compared to conventional installations, and all local emissions are completely eliminated. With the plug-in hybrid configuration, emissions are reduced by up to 50%.
Furthermore, the concept features Wärtsilä’s inductive wireless charging system eliminates physical cable connections to reduce wear and tear, and allows ferries to begin charging immediately when arriving at quay, also saving time and energy. A complete electrical and automation package is also included, incorporating Wärtsilä’s azimuth propulsion units and a complete bridge control system. The ferry series can accommodate 60 to 120 cars on a single car deck for quick and easy loading and unloading.
Designed in line with Norwegian government’s new environmental regulations for ferries to eliminate harmful emissions, the concept has been developed through cooperation between Wärtsilä Ship Design and Electrical & Automation offices. The single solution offers customers an optimised design and single point of contact in order to streamline the engineering, integration and follow-up procedures throughout the project phase.
Riku-Pekka Hägg, Vice President, Ship Design, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, commented: “Wärtsilä is fully committed to producing ship designs, marine products, and integrated solutions that make a significant contribution towards lowering the environmental footprint of shipping. This new concept is one more example of this focus. By making it possible for ferries to eliminate exhaust emissions entirely, we feel that we are again acting proactively to protect the marine environment.”
