HOBART shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has put in place centre bridges for the vehicle deck of Hull 102, the first of two 129-metre high-speed catamarans for Denmark’s Molslinjen that will become the largest electric ferries in Europe.
Incat says the newbuild is beginning to take shape module-by-module in the main building hall for the contract, which was announced mid-July.
The vessels which will be powered by approximately 45,000 kWh battery systems, will operate on the busy Kattegat route between Jutland and Zealand, forming part of the world’s largest electrification project at sea.
At the time Incat said the significant international order further cemented the company’s position as the world leader in sustainable shipbuilding, with construction already well advanced on Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship, and Hull 100, a 78-metre next-generation hybrid ferry.
Yesterday [10 September] Finnish technology group Wärtsilä announced it has been selected to deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for the Molslinjen ferries.
Wärtsilä will supply the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, as well as the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system for smooth and efficient sailing.
“This is a major project that supports the ferry industry’s move towards more decarbonised operations. With these electric ferries built by Incat and powered by Wärtsilä's electrification technology, we aim to remove thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions from Denmark’s climate footprint each year,” Kristian Durhuus, Molslinjen CEO. said.
Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine & EVP at Wärtsilä Corporation said the partnership with Molslinjen and Incat “not only brings electric vessels to the Kattegat route, but also continues our joint commitment in accelerating the industry's path towards net-zero emissions shipping. We have already delivered solutions for 150 hybrid-electric ships, with this number continuing to grow.”
“We’re not just building ships – we are building the future,” said Stephen Casey, CEO, Incat Tasmania. “Large-scale, low-emission transport solutions are not only possible, but are ready now. Incat Tasmania has always been at the forefront of innovating and pioneering new technology and design. 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.”
Wärtsilä says the eight electric driven waterjet configuration feature low weight, shallow draft operation, low maintenance and easy access, safety and reliability, as well as superb manoeuvrability as a result of its integrated steering and reversing with quick response times. The waterjets have been designed for the highest overall propulsion efficiency. As the power is divided over more jets, the power density is lower, which means a higher efficiency.
The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in 2026. The ships are expected to join the fleet in Denmark during 2027 and 2028.