Genset order for Norwegian pure-electric ferries

Norwegian operator Boreal has ordered five pure-electric passenger ferries to replace existing diesel-powered passenger ferries in the inner Oslo fjord. While each vessel will be equipped with battery packs and shorepower connections, each vessel will also feature two Volvo Penta D13 MG IMO III gensets. Each generator set will supply 265 kWe electrical power.

The new ferries are part of Norway’s stated intention to electrify all passenger transport on Norwegian waters. They are to be operated by Boreal subsidiary Boreal Sjø under a long-term contract signed with local transport authority Ruter. The new service will commence in November 2021 and is set to end in 2034.

During normal scheduled operations, the 35m long, 8m beam, 350 passenger capacity ferries will operate on battery power. However, the vessels will be able to fall back upon the gensets if required, to ensure schedules and passenger safety are never disturbed.

The vessels are contractually required to enter service by 2022. Volvo Penta will start supplying its IMO III gensets later this year, with the last two gensets being delivered by mid-year 2021.

“Our Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) based IMO III gensets are extremely compact,” says Jacob Vierø, Sales Project Manager at Volvo Penta. “Not only that, our system offers greater efficiency, as they are designed from the start to work together. This ‘one stop shop’ approach allows us to package all the componentry tightly, ensuring easy installation and maintenance.”