Third zero-emission battery Ropax ferry for Norled

This last ferry in the series of three identical ferries for Norled, is based on the proprietary design of Sembcorp Marine’s wholly-owned subsidiary LMG Marin.

Torbjorn Bringedal, managing director, LMG Marin, said: “Custom-designed to fulfill Norled’s sustainability, safety and operational requirements, these Ropax ferries will further enhance Norled’s strategic positioning as a leading operator of sustainable ferry services.”

Green features

’Leikanger’ incorporates many environmentally-friendly features. Similar to the sister ferries, it runs on lithium-ion batteries charged by hydro-electric energy power. The vessel is also able to operate in hybrid mode utilising combined battery-diesel power as an alternative.

The vessel is also equipped with capabilities for optimal performance and enhanced energy efficiency, with innovative features such as quick-connection shore charging plugs, auto-mooring and auto-cross capabilities, efficient hull, propulsion and heat recovery systems, as well as minimised hotel and auxiliary load solutions.

It will be deployed on Norled’s shortsea Hella-Vangsnes-Dragsvik connections in Norway, joining the first sister unit Hella, which commenced service in May 2022 and second sister vessel Dragsvik, which started operations in December 2022.

With a service speed of 10 knots, the 82.4-metre long multi-deck, double-ended ferry has the capacity to carry 300 persons, as well as 80 cars or a combination of up to ten cars and ten trailer trucks.

These three zero-emission Ropax ferries will further advance Norled’s objective of driving the green shift towards sustainable ferry operations and decarbonisation in the marine industry.