New zero emission ferry under construction
The ‘Future of the Fjords’ passenger vessel which is the sister ship to the striking diesel-electric plug-in hybrid Vision of the Fjords that launched last year, is currently under construction at shipbuilder Brødrene Aa. This 42m long carbon fibre vessel will be all electric and completely emission free, its operator Fjords DA said, and it will be completed in April 2018.
The new vessel retains Vision of the Fjords design and environmentally friendly build, with a hull that minimises wake and reduces shoreline impact erosion. It too offers up to 400 passengers jaw dropping panoramic views of the Western Norwegian fjords, with a guaranteed 1m each of railing on deck for a unique ‘front row’ experience of nature.
However, according to The Fjords CEO Rolf Sandvik, the new vessel features many innovations. For example, the Vision of the Fjords switches from diesel to electric power when entering the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord. It also showcases a new, zero emissions way to enjoy and safeguard this fjords’ natural landscape.
“The vessel will be totally different to anything else on the water, showing what can be achieved with the determination, investment and ambition to operate responsibly and sustainably. We want this to be a paradigm for the industry. We believe this really is the Future of the Fjords.” Mr Sandvik explained.
The new DNV GL classed ‘light craft’ will be propelled by two 300kW electric motors, enabling cruising speeds of 16 knots along the spectacular fjord route between Flåm and Gudvangen. Work to develop the charging infrastructure to enable its planned 700 trips a year is currently in the early stages, with local supplier Aurland Energiverk at the vanguard. Alongside the changes to the propulsion system, Future of the Fjords will boast upgraded IT systems, to ensure it meets the digital demands of tomorrow, and a refined restaurant and comfort levels.
Mr Sandvik went on saying that the new vessel will be accessible as possible to passengers with a view all to have the opportunity to experience the ‘Future of the Fjords’. It is estimated that the new passenger vessel will cost NOK 144 million (approx. USD 17 million), marking a significant increase over Vision of the Fjords NOK 90 million price tag.
Mr Sandvik anticipates this project to inspire the travel industry to adopt battery-powered vessels faster, both here in Norway and abroad. Norwegian-headquartered environmental campaigner Bellona is also supporting the project. Frederic Hauge, Bellona’s Founder and President, says the new ship marks a “fantastic” development for tourism in the region and states that the Fjords are “an example to follow for the rest of the industry.”
