Torghatten Trafikkselskap enlists ABB for hybrid

The MM63 vessel, with capacity for 60 cars and 250 passengers, will be built by Fiskarstrand Verft in western Norway. Two 270kWh battery packs will initially be used for peak shaving, enabling generators to maintain steady operation when power demands increase. The owner will have the option of adding another sixteen battery packs and a shore connection in order to make the vessel fully electric.

“Energy storage has been one of the most important areas of focus for our research and development team,” said Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB’s Marine and Ports. “We recognise batteries have an important role to play on a range of vessels and is technology for the present as well as the future.”

The news follows another recent contract award for a Norwegian electric vessel, with ABB set to supply the power system for the Seasight battery sightseeing ferry that will serve the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.