Keel laid for electric ferry

The 24.7m long and 6.5m beam Düsternbrook is completely emission-free and entirely battery powered. The vessel will draw 1.6m and carry 140 passengers and 60 cycles. The vessel will operate within the area of Kiel, between Reventlou and Wellingdorf and is expected to enter service at the end of 2020.

The vessel’s 819kWh battery package is being supplied by EST-Floattech and the vessel will be driven by electric motors operating on two shafts and two rudders and a bow thruster. Besides the battery pack, the vessel will also use 20 roof-mounted solar panels to provide the onboard power supply network so hotel loads do not adversely affect the range.

Batteries charged overnight will provide ten hour operation. The ship will also have hydraulic positive drive enabling power-free berthing.

The EUR3 million project is being partly financially supported by the German state department of traffic and digital infrastructure as part of the clean-air-program.

The ferry also features an automated mooring system using mooring hooks in both sides of the ship. The mooring system, which is one-man operated, is easily controlled from the wheelhouse. While mooring, the engine is not in use, resulting in further reductions in energy consumption.