R&D Project to Develop New Electrical System for Zero Emission Ferry

A new R&D project will develop a new electrical system for a zero emission ferry. Image Credit: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce plc (Rolls-Royce) says that, along with Color Line AS (Color Line), Norled, and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA), it will be carrying out a new R&D project to develop a new electrical system for a zero emission ferry that offers more efficient power output and stable operations, is cheaper to run, and easier to integrate.

"The aim is for the entire system or its component parts to be capable of use on both short-haul car ferries and big cruise ferries. Norway is far out in front with regard to green shipping, and we see an international export potential for these kinds of systems," said Sigurd Øvrebø, General Manager Product Electric and Power at Rolls-Royce - Marine.

Rolls-Royce says the Zero Emission Ferry project has received a NOK 5.9 million ($72,000) grant from the Research Council of Norway's ENERGIX programme.

"Our aim is to gradually reduce the emissions produced by our fleet of car and high-speed passenger ferries, and become the first Norwegian operator with 100 percent zero emissions," said Lars Jacob Engelsen, Deputy CEO at Norled.

"We are well underway with electrification on our short ferry routes, but are waiting for technology to become mature enough to be able to cover longer stretches. We are therefore delighted to be able to contribute our experience to this project."

In January, Ship & Bunker reported that Ulstein Group ASA (Ulstein) had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Color Line for the construction of what it says will be the world's largest hybrid vessel.