Schottel to propel world’s first hydrogen ferry

The two 82.4m long LMG Marin-designed vessels, currently under construction at Westcon Yards, Norway for Norwegian ferry operator Norled, will each be driven by two Schottel Rudder EcoPellers type SRE 340 L FP with an input power of 960kW each.

Sigvald Breivik, technical director at Norled, said: “Our goal is to create a new icon among eco-friendly ferries. Hydrogen, as a zero-emission fuel, will be the alternative energy for ferry propulsion systems in cases where longer sailing distances are required and charging batteries is not possible.

“The energy efficient Schottel Rudder EcoPeller (SRE), which we now have selected for several of our new vessels, is an important piece in this puzzle. Through this selection, we ensure our place at the forefront of the development of zero-emission ferries.”

Both ferry newbuilds will feature a hybrid mix of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. The first project – the one using liquid hydrogen – will be split 50/50 between batteries and fuel cells. The second ferry will be powered by batteries only.

The SRE optimally meets Norled’s requirements as it covers the power range from 500 to 5,000kW and ensures high efficiency even at very low loads. The azimuth thruster also contributes to the ferries’ low fuel consumption, resulting in low operating costs and reduced emissions.

The ferries will operate from spring 2021.