Bergen engines for biggest hybrid ferry

The plug-in hybrid ferry (combining diesel and electrical power) will operate on the crossing between Sandefjord in Norway and Strømstad in Sweden when completed by the summer of 2019. Batteries will be recharged via shore facilities owned by Color Line, or by the ship’s generators. The 160m long vessel will have a capacity for 2,000 passengers and 500 cars.

The four engines are scheduled to be delivered in March 2018. The contract comes with an option to provide engines for a second vessel. As reported, Brunvoll will provide a propulsion package including gearboxes, rudders, steering gear, controllable pitch propellers and tunnel thrusters.

Kjell Harloff, vice president engines – marine, Rolls-Royce, said: “The shipbuilding industry in Norway has lately proven its competitiveness internationally in the cruise and ferry market, and we are proud to be part of these innovative new building projects. Our Bergen engines have now been sold to nine vessels in this particular segment over the past year.”

The B33:45 in-line diesel engine from Rolls-Royce was first introduced in September 2014 and close to sixty engines have been sold to date. In May the company expanded the range with a V-line version.